HOUSTON, Texas. For years, women have been reporting harassment only to be ignored by human resources and their managers (and many more have not been reporting harassment they have suffered due to the fear that they would be ignored or would be retaliated against). Unfortunately, all too often, the focus is on men when these claims come to light. The media (and other men) worry about the men’s careers and empires, once again silencing women and their stories. Yet, women-owned businesses may be changing this narrative. These businesses may offer real guidelines for best practices that other businesses can follow.
All 22 Female Senators Ask for Vote on Sexual Harassment
HOUSTON, Texas. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue. According to a 2016 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report, 25% to 85% of women report that they have faced harassment on the job. Many women may not be reporting harassment on the job out of fear or due to push back from their employers. In 2003, a study found that 75% of women who spoke out about their harassment faced retaliation. While the law offers protections for individuals who face retaliation, not all workers may be aware of their rights. Retaliation isn’t the only concern. Some human resources departments—and even Capitol Hill—may place onerous burdens on those who choose to bravely speak out.
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Startup Makes It Easier for Companies and Campuses to Track Sexual Harassment
HOUSTON, Texas. One of the problems with enforcing sexual harassment policies is the fact that victims are often reluctant to report harassment. There are many reasons why individuals might hesitate before making a report. They may feel ashamed of the situation, they may worry about how reporting the harassment will impact their career, or they may fear the perpetrator. Victims may fear backlash if the person perpetrating the crimes is a manager or leader in the company.
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Wage Violations in Restaurants
HOUSTON, Texas. More states are considering changing the laws about how tipped workers are paid. According to the Department of Labor, seven states currently require employers to pay tipped workers the state minimum wage. These states are: Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Nevada, and Minnesota. The New York Times reports that New York may soon join their ranks.
Wage Violations: Are You Getting Paid the Minimum Wage
HOUSTON, Texas. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, some states have raised their minimum wage requirements to keep up with inflation. According to the United States Department of Labor, the minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 per hour. Yet, regardless of what the minimum wage is in your state, Politico reports that workers sometimes struggle to receive the back pay they are entitled to receive, even when the government finds that the employer violated wage laws.
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More Unpaid Overtime Cases Won in Houston
HOUSTON, Texas. According to ABC 13, twenty-four employees at a Mexican restaurant in Houston will receive approximately $100,000 in unpaid overtime. According to the complaint, the restaurant owned several branches in the city. When workers worked at different branches, the employees’ overtime was not counted. Essentially, the company shuttled the workers between locations in the hope that they could evade federal wage laws. The tactic didn’t work. Employees are entitled to receive overtime pay regardless of which branch they work.
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