Q–The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission called and asked if I would be a witness for an ex-employee of the company who was filing discrimination charges. This EEOC investigator also said that in reviewing the person’s complaints, she thought that I, too, had been discriminated against and could file my own charge. I told her that I didn’t want to lose my job, but she said, “Don’t worry, we will protect you and nothing will happen to you.” I acted as a witness, and filed my own complaint against the company. At that point I had been employed by the company for more than five years.
As soon as the company was notified, the harassment began. Supervisors threatened me, telling me that I was going to die. I was even suspended for smoking on the job and I’m a non-smoker. The things that happened just blew my mind. I called the EEOC investigator to report what had been happening and she said, “These things have been known to happen to people who file charges against companies. I expect them to fire you.” My company did fire me, and I even have a letter from the head of human resources warning me that I would be fired if I file a complaint about being harassed. I only filed a charge because the EEOC solicited me and promised to protect me. Now what?
A–Save that letter and consult a private employment lawyer immediately. To find a lawyer to represent you, call the local bar association for some recommendations. (Not all bar associations have referral services, so you may need to use your Yellow Pages or other forms of advertising.) But no matter who recommends the lawyers, interview them before choosing one to handle your case.
The EEOC cannot protect an employee from being harassed or from getting fired after filing a complaint. Once you have filed an EEOC complaint against your company, the law does allow you to file a second complaint if you experience retaliation. I have received letters from people who were not made aware of what could possibly happen after filing an EEOC complaint and who regretted doing so. For employees considering filing EEOC complaints, meet first with an employment lawyer who can estimate your outcome based on his or her experiences with similar cases. If the lawyer thinks you may have a good case, it’s a good idea to file a lawsuit after filing an EEOC complaint.
Q–I am a project manager for a national company. I will be going on a business trip for a manager’s meeting for three days. The problem is that I received notice that we will soon receive our hotel confirmation, and who we will be sharing our room with. I think it’s unreasonable for my company to ask me to share a room with an almost complete stranger. Is this is an unreasonable or am I just paranoid?
A–Your company’s request is unreasonable, no matter how thrifty it wants to be. I often tell people when they should not make waves and go with the flow, but you have every right to speak up loud and clear. Just because this would-be roommate works for the same company doesn’t mean he is going to have similar habits, values and personality. If the company can’t afford to give its managers their own rooms, then it should book rooms at a less expensive hotel.
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Write to Lindsey Novak, Jobs, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 60611. E-mail her at AtWorkbyLN@aol.com.
