Once you’re out of college and all your friends have scattered and gone on to live their own lives, the main source of interaction you likely have left is the workplace. Depending on where you work, it’s likely you’ll find a friend or two from the workplace, possibly even go out for drinks occasionally afterwards. It might even be possible for you to find your future spouse in the workplace; after all, it is often filled with many like-minded individuals. Being a part of a workplace that you like is critical to personal happiness, so when it becomes a hostile work environment or just simply uncomfortable due to the actions of an individual, it’s imperative to report it immediately.
Such was the case for Cindy Wallace of Gladewater, Texas. Cindy has filed a sexual harassment claim against the grocery store at which she used to work; a claim that has been denied by her former employer. Ms. Wallace claims that she was transferred to various departments within the grocery store before finally being promised a supervisor position in the meat department. However, upon getting there she found that her position was not supervisory at all, and that her manager was far more hands-on than appropriate. The manager, Mike Carlisle, is accused of having put his arms around Ms. Wallace, rubbing her shoulders, placing his hands on her body, showing her sexual text messages and sending her sexual text messages. Despite telling Carlisle that she wasn’t interested in his advances, they continued to happen, yet she claims she failed to report it due to embarrassment and fear of losing her job.
After another co-worker began to disseminate information regarding the harassment, Wallace reported it to the assistant store manager and later asked the store director for a transfer. The way the store director handled the situation was less than ideal, as he shortly thereafter fired Wallace for insubordination. Wallace has filed a claim against the company, claiming she was subjected to sexual harassment, unlawful termination and retaliation. While the company has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the case has yet to play out in court.
If you believe you’re being subjected to unwanted sexual advances, contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible. With the help of a sexual harassment lawyer from Los Angeles, you’ll be able to determine the proper next step in action. The lawyer will help you determine if you have enough evidence to file a successful claim and may suggest ways to collect evidence if you don’t already have enough. Don’t wait until the harassment gets worse, contact a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles today!