Real Life Story of Sexual Harassment

Chantal, Sears Sales Rep. - Brooklyn park, MN

In her initial interview, Chantal was asked several inappropriate questions. However, despite the difficult interaction, she accepted the job. Over the next year, Chantal and her fellow female co-workers were subjected to repeated unwelcome sexually offensive conduct. She called the company's 'ethics hotline' to report her supervisor's inappropriate stories at the office and the way he spoke derogatorily toward and about women. No follow-up. A month later, she spoke with a manager about it - again, no follow-up. A month later, she informed a Vp - still, no follow-up. Later that month, Chantal finally decided to resign. A fellow co-worker convinced her to come back. After a brief quiet period, the same behavior resumed. The experience was emotionally draining and she ultimately sued Sears for sexual harassment. Several co-workers testified on her behalf. The court ruled in her favor and awarded her damages for mental anguish.

Devane v. Sears Home Improvement, 2003 WL 22999363 (Minn. App. Dec. 23, 2003)