If you have been involved in an uncomfortable situation at work, and you believe that you have been sexually harassed, it is important that you take this very seriously. Sexual harassment should never be tolerated in any environment, and the workplace, in particular, should be an environment in which you feel safe and supported with the ability to focus on the task at hand.
It is likely that you are worried about making a report about the experience that you had at work because you could imagine the person you are accusing becoming angry. You may also worry that your career could be affected by making the report, and it is very common to worry that you will be fired as a result.
Could I be fired after reporting an instance of sexual harassment?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects the rights of victims of harassment across the United States. All job applicants and employees have the right to be free of harassment and from retaliation associated with it. Therefore, if you report an instance of harassment in your workplace, you are automatically protected from any type of retaliation that stems from it.
This means that if you are subject to disciplinary treatment, are demoted or are fired as a result of reporting sexual harassment, you have the right to take further legal action against your employer.
Fear of retaliation should never be a reason to stop a person from reporting sexual harassment in the Pennsylvania workplace. It is important that you understand your legal rights fully and that you take swift action.
