The laws of Pennsylvania define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including actions of either a verbal or physical nature. The forms of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.
How does Pennsylvania Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers in Allentown are often required to formulate company policies regarding sexual conduct, which must be posted and visible to employees. The policies should at least include: contact information for the reporting of sexual harassment incidents, an outline of policies to be followed in filing a claim, and the remedies available when a claim successfully proven.
There are also federal and Pennsylvania laws that have established agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate an Allentown workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Additionally, under these laws, employers may not fire or retaliate against any employee who has alleged sexual harassment in a claim.
How can a Pennsylvania attorney help?
If you do not have any expertise in the applicable laws, it may be difficult to investigate and establish a claim involving sexual harassment. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. Therefore, hiring a lawyer in Allentown may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Pennsylvania for sexual harassment matters.