Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in California

I was fored for reporting sexual harassement

I was a flight attendant for a large

fractional jet ownership company. From the first

week, I was subjet to repearted and

unrelenting physical advaces from my superiors, the

male pilots. Weekly, upon meeting one, I was

ordered to hug them, which made me feel very

uncomfortable. Eventually, i really didn't want to

ever speak to them or be anywhere near them. The

hugging was avery common practice and when I

mentioned it to other female flight attendants, even

those happily married, they shrugged it off as part

of the job. One pilot in particular ordered a hug

from me, made it last riciculously long, while

shoving his genitals into me, and then grabbed me

and kissed me. I was so scared, but since he could

fire me instantly, I just said I wasn't used to THAT

at work. I was terrified of losing my job and all

the meanwhile I was just trying to fit in. I

reported this to my female supervisors. One

stated that I had a ''perception problem.'' Another

comment was ''So what? They hug me, too.'' The same

pilot grabbed me at a hotel after waiting for us to

be alone in an elevator and kissed me again. I was

up all night, scared


Asked on 11/01/05, 12:23 am

5 Answers from Attorneys

Patrick Turner Patrick E. Turner Inc. APLC

Re: I was fored for reporting sexual harassement

Based upon your description, you clearly have a claim for sexual harassment and retaliation. You should promptly see an employee rights attorney in your geographic area for further consultation. This type of conduct in the workplace is outrageous and should be addressed swiftly and severely using appropriate legal avenues.

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Answered on 11/17/05, 5:34 pm
Donald Holben Donald R. Holben & Associates, APC

Re: I was fored for reporting sexual harassement

Need more information. Timing. Are you still working there. Circumstances re your leaving. Call to discuss. You must move in a timely manner. This is 60% + of the work we do. Don Holben

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Answered on 11/17/05, 5:39 pm
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: I was fored for reporting sexual harassement

See an attorney immediately as statutes of limitations apply. You also need to file with the EEOC and DFEH. Call me directly at 16192223504.

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Answered on 11/17/05, 6:03 pm
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: I was fored for reporting sexual harassement

Unfortunately, you don't give your zip code, so you're getting good responses from attorneys up and down the state. I'll chime in, too. You have to file a complaint with the CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing within a year of the last occurrence. You don't say when you were fired. Most importantly, talk to an attorney before doing anything further. And do it soon!

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Answered on 11/17/05, 6:12 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: I was fored for reporting sexual harassement

Just following up to see if you pursued this, or if you decided on counsel to do so. Contact me if interested, since your facts seem pretty clear about illegal sexual harassment.

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Answered on 12/08/05, 7:49 pm


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