cmcgloin asked this question on 4/13/2000:

Dear Bob:

I have experience sexual harassment and discrimination/retaliation in my past and currently working for the City of Chicago where "the boys club" stick together to the point whereby the Sexual Harassment doesn't do their jobs.

You did an excellent job with the definition in two parts of S.H. This past problematic boss wanted "something for something" but also felt threatened that I was a computer degreed professional and this make additional problems.

What I find helpful is I was advised early on to documentate or log events, gestures, his behavior etc I had to work with this man as a Computer Helpdesk Person with two other men. This problem man was our supervisor, but he was not technical??? I was the only female and believe me after he realized that I was not going to get close to him , he interfered with my computer access to the software I was responsible for troubleshooting, created a hostile environment by instructing the other two men not to work with me, given me an unfair yearly review so low, I didn't get an increase on time after getting a very good 6-mth review. It was a nightmare and Bob at times I questioned if it was sexual harassment or just this management didn't want a female in a technical position???

I went to two agencies and put in charges and filed pro-se in Federal court. I did find a lawyer, but released him to find another lawyer that will work with be better financially. I want to stress to people to look further because lawyers can "bleed" you when another lawyer can work with the case maybe on better terms or on a contingency basis.

Bob, I have no regrets because the City of Chicago finally transferred me to another department and I believe this past manager put up my current manager to make things hard for me etc BUT I also filed additional charges and if I am lucky I will resolve both problems in both departments for continuing retaliation for no reason, but I am a female.

Up to now, because I have been up before the judge with the City's lawyers, they are not fighting the retaliation charges. Unfortunately I do belive this problematic boss has a past and maybe in discovery, the evidence will come out.

Females also have to file on time with EEOC or whatever agencies so that if they decide to sue, they can. I find going Federal is more positive in the long run.

Take Care Bob Thanks again

Cathy from Chicago

hrpro2000 gave this response on 4/13/2000:

Thanks for your kind words, and for the insight into your situation. It is a terrible ordeal to have to go through. But remember, you are the victim, you did nothing wrong, so don't let any guilt slip in. Keep up the fight, for yourself and for others that might follow you. Best wishes, HRPro2000 BobO

The average rating for this answer is 5.

cmcgloin rated this answer a 5.