10. It is unlawful to retaliate against an employee who files a sexual harassment complaint. Your employees should know this because retaliation cases can cost as much money in the courts as Sexual Harassment cases.
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) reports there are more retaliation lawsuits then actual Sexual Harassment lawsuits. This is because supervisors or management forgot—or didn’t know—that an employee has every right to file a Sexual Harassment complaint without fear of retaliation. You cannot fire an employee because he or she made a complaint or fire a witness who testified to witnessing Sexual Harassment.
(If an employee files a false statement and it can be proved, then your company’s discipline can be applied.)
Discrimination against or unfair treatment of employees during sexual harassment investigations can easily become a retaliation lawsuit—and can cost as much or more as a sexual harassment lawsuit.
Contact Randi Frank if your employees and supervisors need updated Sexual Harassment training. After discussing your particular needs, Randi can give you a quote for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and Policy Development.
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