An investigator for the Maine Human Rights Commission says that social worker, who claims she was fired for reporting sexual harassment, has grounds for her complaint.
In 2009, Colleen Taylor filed a complaint against Center for Behavioral Health ME Inc., who operates drug treatment facilities where she worked as a drug counselor since 2007.
Taylor alleges that she was fired for speaking out against sexual harassment perpetrated on a couple of co-workers. Retaliation is forbidden by the law, but many employers engage in this practice, which can be challenged by a sexual harassment lawyer. Investigator Domini Pham concluded that Taylor’s retaliation claim has merit after reviewing submissions to the commission.
According to Pham’s report, Taylor complained about the sexual harassment of two co-workers by a supervisor. Initially, the company investigated the allegations and warned the supervisor, who was later fired along with another counselor.
Taylor spoke with the medical director and in July of 2009 she met with chief operating officer to discuss past and ongoing sexual harassment. The next day she was fired.
The company alleges she was fired because she was disruptive and negatively impacted the environment at the clinic. Taylor was accused of being a spokesperson for her co-workers who were sexually harassed. When employers do not properly address harassment claims, worker can seek the counsel of a sexual harassment lawyer, to protect their rights.
Sexual harassment can create a hostile working environment. Employees can put an end to this type of hostility by employing an accomplished sexual harassment lawyer, who can file a suit to address the problem through litigation.
