One of the most common workplaces for sexual harassment in Kentucky is the health care industry. This can impact anyone whether they are an administrative employee, a nurse, a doctor, emergency personnel and even people in management. Harassing behaviors include inappropriate comments, unwanted touching, sexual gestures, leering looks and more. Not only are the victims impacted by these acts, but colleagues can also face problems if they speak out in defense of their coworkers. Recently, a whistleblower case was filed by two workers who claim they were retaliated against for defending their coworkers. Victims of harassment and people who stand up for them have legal rights. Knowing the law and how these cases should be handled appropriately is key.
Employment violation allegations abound in recent lawsuit
When there are alleged employment violations, it is not uncommon for there to be a series of interconnected illegal behaviors that impact many workers in the workplace. This specific case is just one example of prevalent behaviors in certain industries like healthcare, customer service and hospitality. These are areas where some might feel emboldened to behave inappropriately. The whistleblower claim involves two EMTs who assert that they received demotions after they defended a fellow employee who was being sexually harassed.
This case may serve as an example to others who are confronted with the same problems. In it, a male and female worker who were high-level members at their workplace assisted an EMT worker who said she was being sexually harassed. They told her to report what was happening to the proper department. Human resources investigated the case and it was found that a supervisor was saying inappropriate things and touched the alleged victim when she did not want to be touched. It recommended that the supervisor be demoted and watched in the new job, receive a suspension, and take part in training designed to educate and prevent sexual harassment.
The recommendations are not believed to have been implemented. However, the two EMTs who reported what happened were demoted. Evidence as to the retaliatory nature of the demotions was presented in an email that mentioned the new protocol for informing about illegal workplace behaviors. Whistleblower laws are in place in the state. They allow people to speak out about workplace wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.
When considering legal action, having legal advice may be key
Having legal advice with these interwoven and complex employment claims can be a fundamental part of moving forward in pursuing compensation. That applies not just to the people who were subjected to sexual harassment, but to other workers who tried to step in and found that they were retaliated against simply for doing what they believed was right.