New Laws That Businesses Do Not Like

We have already pointed out that many new laws that affect employers and workers took effect on January 1 of this year. The Fair Employment and Housing Act now makes it easier for employees to bring lawsuits against their employers before a jury with sexual harassment claims.

The businesses themselves are not exactly fans of this new state legislation because it will make it much harder for them to settle many cases. It also makes it easier for workers to bring a lawsuit based on a single offense because the “severe or pervasive harassment” legal standard was removed under the new law.

At Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers, we understand that businesses are afraid that they will be hit with frivolous lawsuits, but that does not change the fact that this type of harassment is far too prevalent. The new laws are meant to empower the workers. When you need a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney, you can count on us to be by your side.

This Is A Problem

While we understand that businesses are worried about frivolous lawsuits, we think that the benefits of this employee-centered legislation outweigh the negatives. We need to be honest with ourselves as a state and a nation – sexual harassment has been tolerated in the workplace for far too long. Anyone who has a problem with reasonable measures to stop harassment is a problem within the system.

The nonprofit group Stop Street Harassment conducted an online survey early last year as the “Me Too” movement was gaining serious traction. They found that “81 percent of women and 43 percent of men had experienced some form of sexual harassment during their lifetime.”

Even the US government, through the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, says that 81 percent of people believe sexual harassment is present in the workforce.

Why, then, do employers not report instance at higher rates?

Are they trying to protect workers or supervisors?

This has to stop and it seems like we are on the right path. This new legislation is a step in the right direction, but real changes will not take place until everyone, both men and women, realize that this behavior has no place in our society and that everyone should be able to feel safe at work.

What Happens Now

If you have been sexually harassed at work and you are not sure where to turn, Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers are here for you. Our compassionate and qualified team will sit with you and go over your case so we can chart the best path forward. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for you and you never expected to be in this situation. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve, including back pay, reinstatement, pain and suffering damages, as well as punitive damages. When you need a Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 310-527-6994 for a free consultation.