New York Employment Attorney Blog
A 50-year-old Inwood kitchen employee has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court against her employer, her union, and the New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council for failing to protect her from alleged workplace sexual harassment. According to her complaint, the woman was the victim of verbal abuse and unwanted touching by male co-workers at the Grand Hyatt New York. The woman also claims that managers ignored her complaints regarding the alleged harassment and co-workers threatened her with physical harm if she made additional reports.
In her lawsuit, the 50-year-old woman stated the purported harassment began in 2007. According to the employee, she continued working despite being subjected to an increasingly hostile working environment in order to financially support her teenaged child. The kitchen worker also alleges that she complained to her union and the organization refused to assist her with transferring to a different hotel department. A spokesperson for the Grand Hyatt New York responded to the allegations by stating it is hotel policy to maintain a safe and harassment-free working environment for all workers.
As this case demonstrates, workplace sexual harassment can result in a hostile work environment. A hostile environment can occur when employees are subjected to unwanted touching or other physical contact. Such an environment may also exist when a worker is subjected to threatening statements that interfere with his or her ability to perform all required job responsibilities. Additionally, a hostile work environment may result when an employee is intimidated or offended by inappropriate workplace behavior.
Approximately half of the United States workforce is currently comprised of women. Although anyone can suffer sexual harassment at work, it often affects women. In fact, sexual harassment is normally considered a form of gender discrimination the State of New York. Unfortunately, many workers tolerate sexual and other workplace harassment and discrimination because they simply cannot afford to leave their jobs. Both men and women who suffered sexual harassment at work may be entitled to recover financial compensation from their employer for the harm inflicted upon them. If you feel that you were sexually harassed by a co-worker, you are advised to discuss your rights with a skilled employment attorney.
The caring lawyers at Phillips & Associates represent the victims of workplace sexual harassment and discrimination in New York City and surrounding areas. At Phillips & Associates, our knowledgeable attorneys will fight to protect your rights at the city, state, and federal levels. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a competent advocate, please call our quality lawyers at (212) 248-7431 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
EEOC Reminds Employers in New York and Nationwide that Pregnancy Discrimination is Illegal, New York Employment Attorney Blog, July 12, 2013
Case Demonstrates Dangers of Pregnancy Discrimination in New York and Elsewhere, New York Employment Attorney Blog, July 5, 2013
Additional Resources:
Kitchen worker sues Grand Hyatt New York over alleged sexual harassment, by Barbara Ross and Bill Hutchinson, New York Daily News