Female Employee Awarded $127,713 in Sexual Harassment Case
Lindsay Gerken, 25 has been successful in her claim against Michael Ruppert and his company on her claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. The Oregon state Bureau of Labor and Industries ("BOLI") ordered Ruppert and his company to pay Gerken $127,713 in damages for the sexual harassment and retaliation. The ruling said that a continuing pattern of sexual harassment began shortly after Gerken was hired and included Ruppert coming to Gerken’s office door “wearing only his underwear and a smile.” Gerken declined Rupert’s explicit invitation to engage in a sexual relationship and was terminated the following week, which is obvious retaliation.
The Oregon BOLI is similar to the Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR") and is in charge of investigating claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. Cases like this are not uncommon in the work place and it is very important to take immediate action to protect your rights if you are the victim of sexual harassment.
“BOLI will not allow employers to ignore fundamental protections for workers rights,” said Brad Avakian, the state labor commissioner. “Sexual harassment of this magnitude is a brazen violation of the law.”
In this case an older worker who was in a position of authority thought he could take advantage of a younger worker who did not have experience in the workplace. When this occurs, immediate action should be taken to stop the sexual harassment. In a large city like Chicago this probably goes on daily. Visit lasorsalaw.com for more information about sexual harassment in Chicago.
