Sexual Harassment in the Service Industry

Service industry workers may face sexual harassment. They may deal with illegal conduct from both their coworkers and their customers. They have a public-facing job and are trying to keep their customers happy. Service industry work can be unpredictable and free-flowing, and there may be a wrongful perception that anything goes.

However, the laws forbidding sexual harassment apply to every workplace, including the service industry. There are no relaxed legal standards for this type of work. If you are a service industry worker who has been harassed on the job, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer to seek compensation.

Women in the restaurant industry are especially vulnerable to the possibility of sexual harassment. Many of these employers are younger and may not be making much money. They may not be confident in their jobs or feel that they have the ability to say something or push back when they are subjected to illegal conduct on the job. They may have a supervisor who demands sexual favors in exchange for continued employment or favorable shifts. A supervisor or coworker could improperly touch them on the job.

In addition, customers may take liberties, especially when they feel that a service worker needs their tips to earn a living. Some customers may mistake a server’s intentions when they are trying to be friendly and provide good service. Workers may be required to appear emotionally welcoming, which could give customers the wrong impression. In turn, standing up to customers who cross a line may be frowned upon, and it could even cost a restaurant worker their job.

You Can Take Action to Put a Stop to the Harassment

When it comes to sexual harassment, the customer is not always right. Service workers do not have to put up with this unlawful conduct, even though they may be dependent on tips to earn a living. If you are being subjected to sexual harassment on the job, whether it is from fellow employees or customers, you must notify your employer and allow them to take action.

When you are working in the service industry, you have the right to expect your employer to take action to remove a guest who has crossed the line. Their conduct is a part of your working environment. If your employer continues to allow you to be subjected to such behavior, they could be a part of the problem. If your employer can stop this conduct, and they do not, you may even be able to take legal action against your employer for the harassment. The employer could become vicariously liable for the actions of a client or customer, especially when they do nothing to protect you and try to stop it.

Contact the South Jersey Sexual Harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C.

If you have been subjected to illegal conduct on the job, reach out to the South Jersey sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. We can help you take legal action to get justice and accountability from your employer. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or online to schedule a free initial consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Marlton, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, and across South Jersey.