What would you do if your boss told you, “If you simply wore sexier clothing, I will give you more money. ” Most recently, at the once-beloved Yoga to the People, in the Bay Area, that phrase is what one yoga instructor heard from upper management — folks who should support and enable her to succeed but instead were systematically harassing her.
In exchange for wearing “sexier clothing,” the young instructor was promised more classes to teach, and more income. In a separate incident, one woman discovered a hidden security camera in the changing room, showing management was filming at all times. According to news reports, numerous other women have revealed sickening behavior in the workplace, including emotional manipulation, racial discrimination, and numerous counts of sexual misconduct and abuse.
Unfortunately, cases like this one with Yoga to the People are not uncommon. The popular yoga studio, which now has over 100 allegations against it, is undoubtedly an outlier in terms of volume. But men and women the world over experience discrimination and sexual harassment daily in the workplace. It’s time victims of this behavior stood up against their abusers and sought legal representation. In such situations, it takes more than a slap on the wrist to correct the problem.
The consequences of sexual harassment include termination, loss of reputation, and in extreme cases, civil litigation. It is unfortunate, but even the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace is subject to termination, uncomfortable working conditions, and being passed up for a promotion. But knowing you did the right thing and forced an abuser to confront the situation makes all the difference in the world.
Do you need an attorney for sexual harassment or discrimination cases in the workplace? Absolutely! If you’re the victim of either, it’s time to call Gomerman | Bourn & Associates. Call 415-545-8608 for a free consultation today!
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