JELD-WEN Windows and Doors is being sued for sexual harassment by one of it’s former employees.
The lawsuit, filed on November 10, by Lori J. Kotch alleges that the home products company subjected her to sexual harassment, sexual comments, offensive workplace pranks, crude language which referred to sexual acts and working in a hostile job environment.
The suit indicates that Kotch was employed by the company from August 2007 to October 2014 as a deglazer. Throughout that period of time, she was subjected to discriminatory treatment by the defendant. She reported the misconduct to a manager and a human resources director but after the complaints, a co-worker approached her and advised that she should not have made any complaints to the manager or human resources director.
Kotch was terminated on October 24, 2014 for allegedly being in violation of the company’s sexual harassment policy but the lawsuit filed by her, claims the reason for her dismissal was false.
Kotch is being represented by her attorney who is suing on her behalf for punitive damages, attorney fees, actual and compensatory damages.
Whoever your employer is –whether you work for a home products company or a doctor’s office, a restaurant or department store, ultimately it is the responsibility of your employer to promote a peaceful work environment, free of hostility and misconduct. But if your employer fails to do so, then the responsibility of being able to work in a hostile free job environment shifts to you –the employee. In order to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, its essential that the victim knows and understands his/her rights. Here are 5 important things to understand about sexual harassment:
- Recognize what sexual harassment is. While it does include unwanted touching, groping, and sexual advances. It also includes nude pictures, jokes that are offensive or comments that are of a sexual nature.
- Always remember that you have rights. The victim is not just the person who is being harassed; the victim is also the individual offended by the conduct of the harasser. Also keep in mind that it is unlawful for your employer to retaliate against you for not agreeing with or filing a complaint against their unlawful employment practices.
- If you are being subject to sexual harassment, discrimination or any other form of misconduct at your job, then you should report the violation(s) to a supervisor or human resource department.
- Document dates, times and names of the individuals (supervisor, human resource associate) you contacted to complain.
- If your employer does not make changes or resolve the issue at hand after you complain, then it is essential you seek the legal services of a competent attorney who can handle your case and fight for your Philadelphia employment law rights. Our NYC, NJ, PA sexual harassment and employment law attorneys fight on behalf of the victims affected by sexual harassment and sexual discrimination in New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia. The Sexual Harassment Attorneys at the employment law firm of Derek Smith Law Group offer a free consultation and take no fee unless we recover for you.
If you believe you have been the victim of NY, NJ, PA sexual harassment, just know the laws have been set up to protect you. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination and it is illegal. We strongly urge you to reach out to our law firm to speak to one of our attorneys for a free consultation.
The NY, NJ, PA sexual harassment attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC handle sexual harassment, discrimination and employment law cases in Manhattan and the greater New York City area. We also represent employee’s sexual harassment cases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Miami For further information, please feel free to call us at 800-807-2209 for a free consultation .
