Workers in California should not have to face things such as harassment and discrimination while at work. Although workplace harassment and discrimination are against the law, these things continue to occur across the country. Victims of discrimination may experience turmoil and distress that can last a lifetime. Google is at the center of a recent lawsuit filed by a former employee, alleging the tech giant facilitated an environment of harassment and discrimination.
The suit, filed by a former female employee of Google, claims that the company failed to protect her from gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The plaintiff claims she experienced sexual harassment and abuse from co-workers almost on a daily basis. The alleged harassment included lewd comments and indecent text messages. She claims that male co-workers also shot darts and threw balls at her, even slapping her on one occasion.
It is alleged that her superiors wanted her to report the incidents to the human resources department, but she did not out of fear of retaliation from her co-workers. The plaintiff claims she was written up for being uncooperative so she eventually reported the incidents but her claims were not investigated. The lawsuit says she was eventually terminated. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $25,000.
What can be done when discrimination and harassment such as this is experienced in the workplace? Employees in California that have experienced discrimination in the workplace may be able to take legal action. A successful lawsuit could result in substantial compensation to help with lost wages and other damages, including pain and suffering.
Source: The Sacramento Bee, “Google ‘bro culture’ led to violence, sexual harassment, lawsuit alleges“, Ethan Baron, Feb. 24, 2018