For decades, sexual harassment cases have been common in the workplace; there is a massive disconnect between men and women and their roles. The inequality between genders has grown even larger with a company’s use of non-disclosure agreements, arbitration policies, and other confidential contracts that prevent a victim of sexual harassment to speak up.
With the progressive #MeToo movement, companies that use these hush-policies have been put on notice. One activist and her partners are pressuring companies across the globe to reveal their policies when handling sexual harassment claims. The activist behind the #GrabYourWallet protest has emailed almost 500 different companies with questionnaires involving their forced arbitration policies of sexual harassment. She hopes that this will force companies to change their policies if they became public knowledge, which could ultimately lead to boycotts and lost profits.
Email Surveys
Around 100 companies who received the email responded that they had no such policy. Almost 400 companies have not responded to the email, possibly waiting to see how this database will be viewed by the public. A few companies acknowledged that they use opt-out policies. Overall, they were aware that admitting to a mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment lawsuits would look poor on them, as it is widely viewed that forced arbitration protects the company more than the victim and prevents other victims from speaking out.
This has been part of a trend where employees are beginning to oppose these practices. Research has shown that an arbitration process helps protect serial harassers and the company as a whole, whereas the victim will have trouble maintaining a career that has been derailed. It also promotes a culture in the work environment where men have power and women are not their equals; a sad view of the workplace that some companies still possess.
Better Workplace for All
Unfortunately, sexual harassment has been a common occurrence that has plagued the American workplace. There are companies that are ending these practices in hopes of creating a better workplace for all genders. Companies such as Google, Facebook, and Wells Fargo announced they are ending arbitration policies and non-disclosure agreements. As the database has shown, there is still plenty of work to do, as it is aimed to finally end the workplace culture that allows sexual harassment.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Protect Victims of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
If you were sexually harassed, contact the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. right away. Our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers will obtain the justice you rightfully deserve. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and South Jersey.
