Employee-to-Employee Harassment
Harassment is a type of discrimination and violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Employee-to-employee harassment can be either sexual or non-sexual. It is illegal for an employee to harass another in the workplace and can result in dismissal. Workplace rules are in place that protect employees from harassment.
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Types
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Workplace harassment has many forms. If a co-worker threatens to physically harm you and/or displays a weapon, that is an obvious threat and blatant harassment. When a co-worker makes derogatory comments about you, your age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender or creed, this is harassment and a violation of the law.
Inappropriate Questions
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Another form of harassment is when a co-worker questions you about your sexual history or preferences, your lovers or spouse or details about your relationships.
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Physical Violations
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If a man or woman bumps into you, grabs any part of your body, strokes, hugs or kisses you or if someone touches or fondles your personal items this is considered harassment. Sending, soliciting or forwarding sexually suggestive emails, images, notes or letters is harassment as is telling lewd or sexual jokes, making sexual gestures or displaying sexual posters in the workplace.
Outcome
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Harassment also occurs when an employee's behavior results in a hostile, offensive and/or intimidating work environment. It is also harassment when an employee’s behavior is so severe it interferes with another worker’s ability to do his job.
Document
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If you have reported being harassed by another co-worker but it has not been resolved, you may consult an attorney. Keeping notes and records of events, conversations, offensive materials or anything pertaining to the harassment is important and will help you argue your case. Present this material to your attorney.
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References
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