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BigmanPigman

(52,252 posts)
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 07:49 PM Oct 2017

If you knew that a female co-worker was being sexually harassed

at work what would you do?

I learned that three women were harassed at my school by the head custodian (a married man). The women didn't report it and they made excuses, "maybe in his home country it is OK behavior", "he might not help me in my classroom", "I do not want to make it into something and feel more ashamed". I was pissed off so I went and reported it to the union and there was a mandatory special staff meeting with union reps there and handouts about our rights. It never happened again.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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If you knew that a female co-worker was being sexually harassed (Original Post) BigmanPigman Oct 2017 OP
People are rightfully afraid of retaliation and HR often doesn't bettyellen Oct 2017 #1
Modern I-phone puts Wellstone ruled Oct 2017 #2
Union Steward here... druidity33 Oct 2017 #3
great job! one point of danger though -- unblock Oct 2017 #4
I didn't name the victims but they said that it was OK with them BigmanPigman Oct 2017 #5
I would have spoken up years ago and now I would not wait and would shout it to everyone. Thinkingabout Oct 2017 #6
when it happened one place I worked, I had a "conversation" with the perp, and explained niyad Oct 2017 #7
 

bettyellen

(47,209 posts)
1. People are rightfully afraid of retaliation and HR often doesn't
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 08:06 PM
Oct 2017

help at all- especially if the perp has any power.

 

Wellstone ruled

(34,661 posts)
2. Modern I-phone puts
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 08:09 PM
Oct 2017

these predators in their place. Grand Daughter was be harassed by a Fast Food Manager,well,she captured this Asshole on video with audio and guess what,the Guy got his Ass handed to him when she presented this recording to the Store Owner. The Owner filed a Police Report and the case is still pending a court date.

druidity33

(6,556 posts)
3. Union Steward here...
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 08:16 PM
Oct 2017

REPORT THE HARASSER, first to your servicing rep, then to HR. It's more delicate if it's 2 Bargaining Unit members, but it's always better to get people talking and to have the principles aware of people who have "assaultive" behaviors. Corroborating testimony is KEY. I would comment more about my experiences, but ah... that's a can o'worms.

K&R

unblock

(54,151 posts)
4. great job! one point of danger though --
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 08:35 PM
Oct 2017

while i think you did the right thing to speak up, there are some dangers there.

in particular, you're in a very awkward situation if you specifically identify someone as a harasser based on second-hand information if they won't back you up. you're also potentially placing *them* in an awkward situation if they don't want to face their own risks.

that said, again, i think you did the right thing to speak up and the school did the right thing by at least having a special non-harassment meeting (this should be an annual thing anyway).

anyway, too late now but for what it's worth, i would have suggested to avoid specifically naming the harasser and certainly the victims. it's enough to say you've heard problems and think we need more formal training in non-harassment.

BigmanPigman

(52,252 posts)
5. I didn't name the victims but they said that it was OK with them
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 08:38 PM
Oct 2017

to report it. I am not sure if anyone spoke with the man who did it but he was at the meeting with everyone else. Since it stopped happening I guess he got the point.

Thinkingabout

(30,058 posts)
6. I would have spoken up years ago and now I would not wait and would shout it to everyone.
Wed Oct 11, 2017, 08:43 PM
Oct 2017

This is something which should be addressed everyday, it should not be happening.

niyad

(119,917 posts)
7. when it happened one place I worked, I had a "conversation" with the perp, and explained
Fri Oct 13, 2017, 01:25 PM
Oct 2017

what would happen if I heard of it happening again. it did not, at least as long as I was there.

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