The law of the state of Washington defines sexual harassment as conduct that is unwelcome, and encompasses both physical and verbal acts. 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 Washington Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, employers who are located in Oak Harbor can be required to implement and visibly post company policies regulating sexual conduct. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, process for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.
There are also federal and Washington laws that have formed agencies to handle sexual harassment claims. These agencies have authority to investigate an Oak Harbor workplace for the sexual harassment conduct that is alleged in the complaints they receive. Employers are also barred under these laws from taking action in retaliation against an employee who has claimed sexual harassment, such as firing them or denying them a promotion.
How can a Washington attorney help?
Investigating and showing a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, frequently too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Therefore, hiring a lawyer in Oak Harbor may be the ideal way to ensure that your claim is filed within the deadlines specified by Washington for sexual harassment matters.