Pennsylvania Employee Harassment Attorney

What is Harassment in the Workplace?

Harassment in the workplace refers to any unwanted conduct based on a protected characteristic that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This can include physical, verbal, or nonverbal behavior and can occur between employees, supervisors or other higher-ups.

Some common forms of harassment in the workplace include:

• Sexual harassment: This includes unwanted touching, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can also include creating a hostile work environment through offensive comments or behavior.
• Discrimination: This refers to treating an employee unfairly based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. Unlawful discrimination can manifest in many ways, such as unequal pay or promotions, exclusion from certain opportunities, and other unfair treatment.
• Bullying: While not illegal in every state, workplace bullying is any repeated and unwanted behavior that causes harm to another person. This can include verbal abuse, intimidation tactics, withholding information or resources necessary for a person’s job performance, and more.

Harassment in the workplace can have serious consequences for employees, including emotional distress, decreased job satisfaction and productivity, and even physical health problems. It is important to take action if you are experiencing harassment in order to protect your well-being and hold those responsible accountable.

Federal Protections Against Harassment in the Work Environment

Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, protect employees from harassment in the workplace based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information. These laws also protect employees who have spoken out against harassment or discrimination.

State Protections Against Workplace Harassment in Pennsylvania

In addition to federal protections, Pennsylvania has its own laws in place to protect employees from harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, familial status, religion, ancestry, age (40 or older), national origin, sex (including pregnancy), handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of any individual or independent contractor.

What to Do if You are Facing Harassment in the Workplace

If you are experiencing harassment in the workplace, it is important to know that you are not alone and there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are a few actions you can take:

1. Document everything: Keep a record of every incident of harassment, including dates, times, witnesses, and any other relevant information.
2. Report the behavior: Bring your concerns to HR or a supervisor. If they do not take appropriate action, seek legal representation.
3. Know your rights: Educate yourself on state and federal laws regarding harassment in the workplace.
4. File with EEOC or PHRC: If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).
5. Seek legal counsel: Consult with an experienced employment lawyer to understand your options and protect your rights.

At Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC, we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of employees who have been mistreated in the workplace. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you navigate this difficult situation. We will provide compassionate and capable legal representation to hold your employer accountable and seek justice for the harm caused by their actions. Do not suffer in silence – take action now and let us help you reclaim your rights.

How Our Employee Harassment Lawyers Can Help

If you are experiencing harassment in the workplace, it is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our team of skilled lawyers has a deep understanding of employment laws and can help you navigate the complex legal system. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to:

• Investigate the harassment claims and gather evidence to support your case.
• Negotiate with your employer for a resolution that protects your rights and compensates you for any damages.
• Represent you in court if necessary and fight aggressively for a favorable outcome.

At Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC, we are committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation to our clients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you protect your rights and seek justice for the harm caused by workplace harassment.