New York Employment Attorney Blog
A United States Magistrate Judge in Manhattan has reportedly ordered Goldman Sachs Group to produce a number of internal documents related to complaints of alleged gender bias at the company. According to a lawsuit filed by a number of women in 2010, Goldman Sachs has demonstrated a pattern of discrimination against female employees with regard to both promotions and salary. The ruling was made after the female plaintiffs requested a copy of any internal company complaints alleging such bias. Despite that Goldman Sachs argued the request was a mere fishing expedition, Judge James Francis ordered the company to turn over copies of all internal gender bias complaints made within a specific time frame in the securities, investment management, merchant banking, and investment banking divisions of the company.
The lawsuit was filed in 2010 by a former Goldman Sachs vice-president, a former managing director, and a former company associate. According to the three women, they were each overlooked when it came time for promotions. In addition, one woman claims she was subjected to company outings at a topless bar. The former Goldman Sachs employee also claims she was pushed up against a wall, kissed, and groped by a male colleague. After she filed an internal complaint regarding the alleged sexual harassment with Goldman Sachs, the woman believes she was marginalized and subjected to a hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment in a New York City workplace occurs when an employee is demoted, fired, or suffers other penalties for refusing a boss or co-worker’s unwelcome sexual advances. In many situations, sexual harassment can also result in a hostile workplace environment. A hostile work environment often results when an employee is forced to endure unwanted touching or other physical contact. In some cases, a hostile working environment occurs when an employee is offended or intimidated by inappropriate workplace behavior. Such an environment may also arise when a worker is subjected to verbal threats or other statements that interfere with his or her ability to perform any essential job responsibilities.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Equal Pay Act of 1963 states that men and women must receive equal pay for substantially similar jobs in the same company. Pay includes salary as well as benefits, bonuses, stock options, and overtime wages. If you are being paid less than a coworker of the opposite sex for doing substantially the same job, you should discuss your situation with a quality employment lawyer.
The experienced attorneys at Phillips & Associates represent the victims of workplace sexual harassment and gender discrimination in New York City and surrounding areas. At Phillips & Associates, our knowledgeable lawyers will fight to protect your rights at the city, state, and federal levels. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a caring advocate, do not hesitate to call our diligent attorneys at (212) 248-7431 or contact Phillips & Associates through our website today.
More Blog Posts:
New York City Council Passes Law to Protect Pregnant Workers, New York Employment Attorney Blog, October 8, 2013
New York Women Allege Same-Sex Harassment by Manager in Two Separate Lawsuits, New York Employment Attorney Blog, October 1, 2013
Additional Resources:
Goldman Must Turn Over Female Employee Discrimination Complaints, by Bloomberg News, Financial Advisor