Is Sexual Harassment More Common in the Restaurant Industry?
Unfortunately, sexual harassment is a serious problem in the restaurant industry. As reported by National Public Radio (NPR), a recent study found that “more than 70% of female restaurant employees have been sexually harassed.” Another study found that the EEOC received harassment complaints “from restaurant industry workers more often than from any other sector.”
No restaurant worker should ever be forced to endure sexual harassment while on the job. Whether that harassment comes from a supervisor, co-worker, or customer, it is unacceptable. Here, our New Jersey sexual harassment attorney provides an overview of the steps that you should take if you were subject to sexual harassment while working at a restaurant.
Four Steps to Take If You Were a Victim of Sexual Harassment in the Restaurant Industry
Step #1: Be Proactive (You Never Have to Accept Sexual Harassment)
First and foremost, all restaurant workers in New Jersey should understand that sexual harassment is never acceptable. It violates your rights and your dignity. You do not have to tolerate it—no matter your position in the restaurant. Be proactive. You have the right to take action to protect yourself from enduring any further sexual harassment by a supervisor, co-worker, or customer.
Step #2: Report the Sexual Harassment to Your Supervisor
If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, report the harassment to your supervisor or manager. To the extent that you can do so safely, it is important to follow the restaurant’s reporting protocols. If the harasser is your supervisor, find someone higher in the chain of command or a designated Human Resources (HR) representative. Reporting the incident formally creates an official record and prompts the employer to take action.
Note: In New Jersey, an employer cannot retaliate against a worker for reporting sexual harassment. Restaurant workers have the right to complain about sexual harassment.
Step #3: Document the Sexual Harassment at the Restaurant
Documentation is key. Write down every incident of harassment, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses. Keep any relevant texts, emails, or notes. The more details that you have, the better positioned that you will be to get justice through a legal claim. Your documentation creates a detailed record of what happened. It is your evidence.
Step #4: Seek Professional Legal Representation
Sexual harassment cases are complicated. You do not have to take on a restaurant employer on your own. Get professional help from a top-tier attorney. A New Jersey workplace sexual harassment lawyer can review your case, investigate the matter, and take action to help you get justice.
Call Our New Jersey Workplace Sexual Harassment Lawyer Today
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New Jersey sexual harassment attorneys are skilled, reliable, and solutions-focused advocate for workers. Were you or your loved one subject to sexual harassment in the restaurant industry? We are more than ready to help. Contact us today to arrange your strictly private, no obligation initial case review. Our employees rights law firm represents employees in workplace sexual harassment cases throughout all of New Jersey.
Source:
npr.org/2021/07/22/1019017172/tips-and-service-with-a-smile-drive-sexual-harassment-in-restaurants-study-finds
