Types of Harassment in Bakersfield

Workplace harassment can make it difficult to feel safe or respected on the job. California law protects workers when harassment is tied to a legally protected characteristic or takes another form prohibited by law.

At LNN, we help employees understand their rights when workplace conduct crosses a legal line. If you are facing one of the common types of harassment in Bakersfield, our employment attorneys can review what happened and explain your options.

What Types of Workplace Harassment Does California Law Prohibit?

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), an employer cannot allow workplace harassment that targets a protected characteristic. California Government Code Section 12940 covers harassment because of sex, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, and other protected traits. FEHA discrimination rules generally cover employers with at least five workers, but its harassment protections reach an employer of any size.

Workers reviewing Bakersfield types of harassment should understand that rude or unfair conduct is not always unlawful. The conduct generally must be connected to a protected characteristic and meet the legal standard for harassment. Our attorneys can evaluate the facts and explain whether FEHA may apply.

Sexual Harassment Can Take More Than One Form

California recognizes two main forms of sexual harassment. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a job benefit or workplace decision is conditioned on submitting to sexual conduct. A hostile work environment forms when unwelcome sex-based conduct becomes severe or pervasive enough to make the workplace abusive.

Among the types of harassment Bakersfield employees may encounter, sexual harassment may come from a supervisor or a coworker. It may also come from a non-employee, such as a customer. Employer liability can depend on who committed the harassment and on what the employer knew at the time.

Harassment Based on Other Protected Characteristics

FEHA also protects workers from unlawful harassment that is not sexual. Harassing conduct may target a worker because of a protected characteristic, including race or disability. It can involve degrading comments or other hostile conduct when the legal requirements are met.

The types of workplace harassment in Bakersfield can differ from one job to another, but the source of the conduct does not have to be a supervisor. Coworkers may engage in unlawful harassment. Employers can also face liability for certain harassment by customers or other non-employees.

Reporting Harassment and Retaliation Protections

If you experience harassment, consider documenting what happened and following your employer’s reporting process when it is safe and practical to do so. Keep copies of relevant messages or other records. Reporting harassment may help put the employer on notice and create a record of the problem.

For workers in Bakersfield, types of harassment and reporting issues can overlap with retaliation. California law prohibits unlawful retaliation against workers for protected activity, including reporting conduct they reasonably believe violates FEHA. Employment complaints generally begin with the California Civil Rights Department. In many cases, the CRD filing deadline is three years from the alleged unlawful act, so delaying action can affect your legal options.

Contact Our Employment Attorneys in Bakersfield

If one of these types of harassment in Bakersfield is affecting your job, you do not have to determine your legal rights alone. LNN can review the conduct and explain the claims that may be available while you consider your next steps.

Contact our firm for a free consultation. We handle employment cases on a contingency basis when appropriate, meaning attorney fees are tied to the recovery obtained rather than charged upfront. Every case depends on its specific facts, and our attorneys can discuss what that arrangement may mean for your claim.