Can I be fired for making a whistleblower hot line call for sexual harassment?
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Can I be fired for making a whistleblower hot line call for sexual harassment?
I work for a corporate restaurant and I am 8 months pregnant. I have a had a manager making incredibly inappropriate comments to me about how pregnant girls turn him on and we could get together just as long we both know that we’re not leaving our spouses. I have never reciprocated interest, but am intimidated to the point where I can’t say anything to him or his boss. If I make a complaint to our whistle blower hot line do they grounds to fire me? It has been known in my place of work that if you make a complaint you both will be fired. I don’t know what to do.
Asked on March 4, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It is illegal to retaliate against a worker for raising a claim of sexual harassment or discrimination. If you do suffer some retaliatory action (e.g. are fired), that would itself give rise to a legal claim or lawsuit against the employer and this manager, in addition to any claims you might have arising out of the sexual harassment itself.
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