If you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment in Alaska, you may be able to pursue a claim against your employer.
There are state and federal laws in place to protect workers from sexual harassment while applying or interviewing for a job or while they are working for an employer.
If you have been the victim of workplace sexual harassment in Alaska, you should gather supporting evidence and speak with an employment law attorney about the matter. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the applicable laws.
What Alaska State Laws Protect Against Sexual Harassment?
The Alaska Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sex, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood when the reasonable demands of the position do not require a distinction based on a protected characteristic. Federal laws also apply, and you can pursue a claim through a state or a federal agency.
What is Considered Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment may include unwanted sexual advances. It could consist of inappropriate remarks, offensive jokes, references to clothing or dress, unwanted touching. It could include offering advancement for sexual favors. Sexual harassment comes in many styles and forms. Sometimes it is much more obvious than others,
How is it Covered by Law in Alaska?
In Alaska, discrimination is prohibited in the workplace and any employers, labor organizations, or employment agencies cannot retaliate against a person who has opposed practices that were forbidden by the Human Rights Act or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
If an employer has sexually harassed an employee, a claim can be filed against them to recoup damages. Criminal penalties can also result if the court finds that the act was intentional and done willfully.
Where To File A Workplace Sexual Harassment Claim In Alaska
If workplace sexual harassment took place in Alaska, you should make sure your claim was filed in a timely manner. You should review your employee handbook because it will most likely have your company policy for pursuing a sexual harassment complaint.
If there is not a formal sexual harassment complaint for your company, you should still provide your employer with written confirmation of your complaint. You should notify your supervisor or the human resources department.
Be sure to provide copies of any evidence that you may have regarding your claim. Keep updated files by documenting your employer’s response, and if the issue does not get solved, you will need to advance your claim to the next level.
That next step is to take your claim to a governmental agency, which is any agency that enforces Title VII, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
A representative of the EEOC will investigate your claim and determine what happened. If they cannot get a satisfactory resolution to your claim, they will suggest you file a federal lawsuit against your employer.
You can ask for compensation to cover your damages caused by the sexual harassment. Damages may include lost wages, lost benefits, mental anguish, and other losses. An employment law attorney will be able to help you get your claim on the right track and you determine the extent of your damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Sexual Harassment Claim In Alaska?
You have a statute of limitations for pursuing a claim against your employer for sexual harassment. In Alaska, you have 300 days from the date of the incident to pursue a claim against your employer.
This means to notify the EEOC or governmental agency that is handling the matter regarding your specific situation. You will need supporting evidence and documentation for your claim, and you will need to make sure you follow all the guidelines and contact the proper agencies.
It is imperative to keep all documentation and evidence that will support your sexual harassment claim and provide copies of those records with your claim.
Getting Help Filing A Sexual Harassment Claim in Alaska
If you suffered workplace sexual harassment in the workplace in Alaska, you should consider consulting with an employment law attorney who handles workplace sexual harassment matters in Alaska.
Employment law attorneys are knowledgeable about the state and federal laws that apply and will ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner and that you have provided all the essential supporting evidence and documentation that your claim needs to advance through the legal process.
Complete the Free Initial Consultation Form to share the details of your claim with an attorney’s office that represents the victims of workplace sexual harassment in your state.
