Workers in California and throughout America are not necessarily protected by Title VII, which is a federal anti-discrimination law. This is because it only applies to companies that have 15 or more employees in an effort to protect small companies from lawsuits. However, many who work for small firms are nannies or those who work on farm, and they are often women or undocumented immigrants.
Furthermore, they may be more vulnerable because they work in homes out of public view or isolated on fields in lightly populated areas. When Title VII was passed, most people worked at desks and had formal employers. Today, many people are finding work through smartphone apps and who are considered self-employed. Currently, 34 percent of the American population performs work as an independent contractor. Like those who are employed by small companies, they too have no protections under Title VII.
Politicians are urged to take a stand against companies that allow their workers to experience sexual harassment. Female domestic and farm workers are taking part in what has been called Unstoppable Day of Action, which has seen them go to Capitol Hill. The goal is to make sure that workers are not discriminated against or exposed to sexual harassment regardless of who they work for or how they find work.
Anyone who has been the subject of jokes or unwanted sexual advances may be the victim of sexual harassment. Those who are terminated, demoted or otherwise treated differently after making a harassment claim may be the victim of unlawful retaliation. Victims may be entitled to compensation in the form of punitive damages, back pay and the value of benefits lost. Cases might be resolved either in court or through informal negotiations, and legal counsel may assist a worker in both scenarios.
