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 Bethlehem are often required to create 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 agencies which are formed by federal and Pennsylvania law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Bethlehem are true. Such laws also make it illegal for employers to dismiss an employee for filing a harassment claim or to take any other action based on retaliation against the employee.
How can a Pennsylvania attorney help?
A claim for sexual harassment may be difficult to investigate and show without the proper expertise in the relevant areas of law. Federal investigators are often extremely overworked. Therefore, hiring a lawyer in Bethlehem may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Pennsylvania for sexual harassment matters.