It isn’t uncommon for employers in Texas and other states to have men in positions of power. For one woman at Ernst & Young, it was no big deal to know that this was the case with her employer as well. However, she soon found out why women were rarely promoted to leadership positions. It was because females were isolated and otherwise discriminated against because of their gender.
In September 2018, the woman filed a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She claims that the company engaged in retaliation after filing the charge. The company claims that she was let go because of her work performance and nothing more. According to the employee who filed the complaint, the problem started in 2013 after she refused to get a drink with her boss. She claimed that as a result, he started taking credit for her work and otherwise undermining her authority.
That boss was eventually let go by the company. However, as time wore on, others within the company told her that she complained too much and that her personality was seen as a negative. Although she eventually made partner, she was told by another partner that she was unlikely to bring in new business. This was partially because of how women were perceived within the company and within the company’s overall culture.
If a worker is terminated or demoted after filing a harassment charge, it may be seen as unlawful retaliation. Whether a charge is successful usually depends on the facts of the case. Those who can show that they were in good standing prior to the charge may have a better chance of succeeding. An attorney may help to gather evidence of harassment such as direct statements from a manager.
