New York Employment Attorney Blog
A Queens seamstress has reportedly filed a $30 million sexual harassment lawsuit against the men’s apparel company Brooks Brothers in New York City. According to her lawsuit, the woman was touched in an inappropriate fashion and threatened by her supervisor on numerous occasions at the company’s Long Island City neck tie plant. The woman also claims she endured leering, and was subjected to unwanted sexual advances and sexually suggestive statements at work.
In 2012, the woman reported the alleged harassment to the Brooks Brothers human resources department. Although the plaintiff stated her supervisor was cleared of any wrongdoing, the company apparently issued a disciplinary warning to the man. The purported victim also claims the company retaliated against her as a result of her complaint. According to the woman, she filed the lawsuit in an effort to protect other women from being faced with a hostile work environment. Her supervisor maintains that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Workplace sexual harassment in New York City and elsewhere occurs when an employee is threatened with demotion, fired, or suffers other penalties for refusing a superior or co-worker’s unwelcome sexual advances. Unfortunately, sexual harassment can also result in a hostile work environment. A hostile workplace environment may result when workers are subjected to unwanted touching or other physical contact. Such an environment might also exist when a worker is subjected to threats and other statements that interfere with his or her ability to perform any required job responsibilities. In addition, a hostile work environment may occur when an employee is intimidated or offended by inappropriate workplace behavior.
Although the applicable statutes do not specifically state so, sexual harassment is normally considered a form of gender discrimination under New York law. Employees who were the victim of workplace sexual harassment may be able to recover monetary compensation from their employer for the harm inflicted upon them at work. If you were sexually harassed by a boss or co-worker, you are advised to consult with a quality employment attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights.
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 hardworking and committed advocate, please do not hesitate to call our experienced lawyers at (212) 248-7431 or contact Phillips & Associates through our website.
More Blog Posts:
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act Protects Female Workers in New York and Nationwide, New York Employment Attorney Blog, September 16, 2013
Manhattan Judge Issues Ruling in Pregnancy Discrimination Case Filed Against Bloomberg LP, New York Employment Attorney Blog, September 11, 2013
Additional Resources:
Seamstress sues Brooks Brothers for $30M, claims sexual harassment at Queens factory, by Edgar Sandoval and John Marzulli, New York Daily News