Hostile work environment sexual harassment occurs in the workplace where an employee is subject to sexual attention or conduct that is so severe or pervasive that it creates an abusive or hostile work environment for an employee. Common types of conduct that will create a hostile work environment include sexual advances, physical conduct (groping, grabbing), verbal conduct (sexual remarks or innuendo, slurs, taunts, ridicule), and harassment (sending sexually explicit emails, posting pornographic images, making offensive gestures).
In California, an employer is strictly liable for the sexual harassment of a manager of supervisor. If the harassment is by a co-worker, the employer is only liable if a supervisor knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take immediate and appropriate corrective action.
Quid pro quo harassment occurs in the workplace when a manager or supervisor asks an employee for a sexual favor in return for giving the employee an employment related benefit, such as a promotion, a raise, a positive job review or even a continuation of employment itself.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment also occurs when a manager or supervisor asks an employee for a sexual favor in return for promising the employee not to fire or reprimand the employee.
In California, an employer is strictly liable for the sexual harassment of a manager of supervisor. If the harassment is by a co-worker, the employer is only liable if a supervisor knew or should have known of the harassment and failed to take immediate and appropriate corrective action.
If you feel you have suffered hostile work environment or Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment in the workplace, please call the attorneys at Tash Law Group for a free consultation. Our offices generally represent clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that there is generally no fee for representation unless we obtain money for our clients.
