Can I be fired from a job if I have proof my supervisor made advances towards me?
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Can I be fired from a job if I have proof my supervisor made advances towards me?
Asked on February 13, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Sexual harassment at work is illegal. If you have suffered it, you may be able to bring a lawsuit for compensation. As to whether you can be fired after having suffered it:
1) You cannot be fired because you experienced sexual harassment or because you reported it; however, if no one knows that you suffered it (i.e. you have not reported it to HR or upper management), as a practical matter, you have less protection on this basis--for example, if you were fired by a supervisor other than the one who made advances, it can't be retaliation if he didn't know of the issue.
2) Notwithstanding the above, you may be fired for unrelated reasons--for example, for excessive absenteeism, for violating company policy, for poor performance, etc. If the company alleges you were fired for a non-sexaul-harassment-relateed reason but you claim you were fired due to sexual harassment, that becomes a factual issue to be determined by the courts if you sue.
From what you write, it would be worthwhile for you to consult with an employment law attorney, to evalute your rights and options.
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