What is Sexual Harassment under Alabama Law?
Alabama law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether they are verbal advances or physical action. Some types of sexual harassment that are most commonly committed by an employer include exchanging favoritism for sexual favors, the creation of a hostile work environment of a sexual nature, and sexual advances.
How does Alabama Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First of all, employers in the city of Montgomery may be required to establish company policies with regards to sexual harassment and post these in a visible location so that employees may be informed. These policies may include contact information for an employee to report sexual harassment, the procedure for handling such claims, and the corrective measures for when a claim is proven.
Additionally, federal and Alabama laws create specific agencies which are responsible for handling sexual harassment cases. The agencies are given authority to investigate workplaces in Montgomery to determine if the incidents alleged in the complaints they receive are true. Also, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Alabama attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and prove a claim involving sexual harassment. The federal agencies that handle initial claims of sexual harassment are often understaffed and overworked. Accordingly, hiring a lawyer in Montgomery might be the best way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Alabama for sexual harassment matters.
