sexual harrassment, retaliation, discrimination

I am a city employee. I made a sexual harrassment claim against a council member to my supervisor. There was a short investigation by the city attorney and was told that because the council member had not been sworn in at the time of harrassment that nothing could be done. Since this claim, this council member has been trying to get rid of me. I am extremely proficient at my job. I was hired as city clerk. The lady in the position above mine recently passed away and several other employees quit. I performed her job and mine as well as the supvisors duties for 6 months. Now there is a new boss and a new employee that was hired to perform the job I was hired to perform. Instead of promoting me they created a new position and left me as city clerk at the same pay. The serviceman (who made very close to the salary I make at city clerk) was promoted to gas supervisor and given a $10,000 raise. I still receive the same salary as I did when hired although I perform all the functions of the job above me (admin. asst./city secretary)Historically,(27 years) the job I perform and the job of gas supervisor have made very close to the same salary. Before I made this sexual harrassment claim, the mayor spoke with me and said I would be moved up to admin. asst. and given a raise. After I made the claim, he will not speak to me. Everyone in the office rececntly received a raise. (except me) My new boss has been threatened by this council member that if I am still here in two months that he wouldn't be. I made a claim to the EEOC but they said that I didn't have jurisdiction to make a claim. I don't understand what this means. I don't know what else to do.

2 answers  |  asked Aug 3, 2005 09:38 AM [EST]  |  applies to Texas

Answers (2)

Margaret A. Harris
Retaliation/Sexual Harassment

You should consult (in person) with a lawyer who regularly practices employment law -- on behalf of employees.

The "jurisdiction" issue raised by the EEOC may be related to the number of employees. Are you in a real small town? You do not say where you are in Texas. Also, your rights are not limited to claims against the City, but might include claims against the council member too. It just depends on the facts.

You can read about the law pertaining to sexual harassment -- and retaliation at this great website written for non-lawyers. It is www.workplacefairness.org. That website also gives you a link to a list of lawyers who may be able to help you -- depending on where you are in Texas.

While I recommend you read the information at that website, I also suggest that you contact a lawyer pretty quickly -- because you may have deadlines that are real close.

If you are close to Houston and would like to consult with me, please call Janice Beem at 713.526.5677.

posted by Margaret A. Harris  |  Aug 8, 2005 12:00 PM [EST]
Eric Davis
Your Job Situation

Call my office to discuss.
713.227-2727

posted by Eric Davis  |  Aug 4, 2005 08:02 AM [EST]

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