Gainey Law, PLLC Seattle Employment Law Attorney

          I just had the pleasure of meeting with the Workplace Bullying Project's founder Lauri Lilli. What a breathe of fresh air for this lawyer. I am so weary of having to tell people I can not help them if they are still employed - because the employer has not taken that final "adverse employment action" or because though they are being horrifically bullied it is not illegal discrimination under the law.  There are no employment police you can call to show up at your workplace and make your boss, manager, supervisory or co-worker stop targeting, undermining, or backstabbing you. The law provides you the right to fight for damages only after unlawful (discriminatory) workplace actions have risen to a certain level of severity or pervasivenes. The case law defines a hostile work environment as harassment that changes the conditions of your job. It must be either severe or pervasive. In almost all cases it must also by based on some discriminatory an...

 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released data confirming what plaintiff's employment attorneys (and Human resources professionals) already knew: that not only is sexual harassment targeting women more prevalent in the workplace so are all forms of discrimination and harassment and retaliation. ( read the full EEOC report here ) Of the nearly 30,000 complaints filed between 2018 and 2021, 78.2% of complaints  of sexual harassment were reported by women, and women made of 62% of the 98,000 total harassments charges alleging any basis (e.g. race, national origin). Keep in mind the numbers are much more sobering as 87% of sexual harassment victims still do not report the sexual harassment they suffer in the workplace for fear of retaliation. This number is down only a few percentage points since 2016.      The numbers on the lack of reporting of sexual harassment was originally published in a 2016 EEOC report. Now updated to focus on charges ...

Crosscut sits down with a group of Seattle change makers to discuss the movement

Don't Do it - Read More. "Women came into the company paid less than men, then they are ranked more harshly and, as a result, got smaller raises and bonuses. I think Nike wants to say that 'Just a couple people were responsible for the problem and we've gotten rid of them.' But we know that's certainly not the case."

It can be confusing and intimidating to deal with sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace. You don't have to face it alone. Before you make a major decision, quit or sign anything for your employer talk to an attorney.   Employment Law Question?   Determine what your next steps should be. Contact Seattle Employment Attorney Nicole Gainey.

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The first edition of the Gainey-Law podcast, "In the Workplace," was recorded this morning. It will be available here and on my FaceBook page shortly. In this discussion, I briefly outline what makes a bad work situation, a hostile work environment, and  illegal. I hope you find it helpful. If you have questions please visit my website and request a free consultation.

Are you being harassed at work? Is your workplace hostile? What are your rights? Do you have to put up with? Should you quit? Can you sue? Find out - Tune in to Gainey Law's first webinar later this month. Illegal or Just a Jerk?

Human Rights Commission of Washington

Reese Witherspoon, " You can only heal by telling the truth. " #standup #DemandJustice #Nevershutup  #metoo #timesup