Female Fire Fighter Sues for Sexual Harassment, Retaliation
A female fire fighter has filed a sexual harassment and retaliation suit against her fire department and supervisor in California.

November 09, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Female Fire Fighter Sues for Sexual Harassment, Retaliation

When Barbara Lewicki complained about the bathroom in the fire station where she was employed, she had no idea it would spark a series of events that would send her 25-year career as a fire fighter up in smoke. But that's exactly what happened when Lewicki voiced her complaint about the location and condition of the fire station's women's restroom -- on the opposite side of the area where the male fire fighters slept, sometimes nude or clad only in underwear.

Lewicki's complaint also alleges that the men were using the women's bathroom, and that they left the bathroom in deplorable condition, such as leaving urine and feces unflushed.

Instead of taking appropriate action and addressing Lewicki's concerns, her superiors allegedly retaliated against her for her complaints by reprimanding her unfairly and forcing her to take on duties not required for her male counterparts.

Eventually her bosses put her on paid leave, requesting she provide her lifelong medical records so they could determine her fitness to continue working. Lewicki declined to do so and filed suit for sexual harassment and retaliatory actions against her in for her complaints about the bathroom.

Employees in California who feel they have suffered retaliation or discrimination may file a complaint with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Except for limited circumstances, the complaint must be filed within six months of when the retaliation or discrimination occurred.

Complaints may be made by requesting a complaint form by phone from the DLSE or downloading and printing the complaint form from the DLSE website. The completed form may be mailed in, but no fax or e-mail forms are accepted as the form must contain an original signature and date to be processed. Any supporting documentation should also be attached.

Once it is determined that DLSE has jurisdiction, an investigator is assigned who will speak to the employer and any witnesses to determine if discrimination has occurred. The investigator may recommend a settlement, or in rare cases, a hearing.

Before filing a complaint with DLSE, consult with an experienced workplace discrimination attorney. A lawyer experienced in sexual harassment and other discrimination claims can advise anyone who has experienced discrimination or harassment on the best way to pursue his or her claim. An employee who feels he or she has been the victim of discrimination may file a lawsuit in addition to the DLSE complaint.

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