A female mechanic was successful in her sexual harassment lawsuit against two customers. Her lawsuit was pivotal in defining sexual harassment in the workplace. The same amount of harassment was reported by three percent of men in this age range.
The survey also discovered that most workplace harassment is perpetrated by people other than workplace colleagues. Of the respondents reporting sexual harassment, 79 per cent of those who reported said the unwanted attention came from customers, clients, students, patients or other non-colleagues. The woman is an industrial mechanic, and the two people she filed a lawsuit against were customers of the workshop where she was employed. The Norwegian Supreme Court ruled in her favour, and the customers and her employer were required to pay non-monetary damages.
Unnecessary touch, such as tickling, can be offensive. The same is applicable for verbal advances using sexual references. The same can apply when someone is shown pictures or sent digital messages. Speaking up is the first step in reporting sexual harassment. However, this can be challenging.
You are not required to go directly to your employer. Speak with a union representative, a safety representative, a co-worker, or a friend. In her opinion, it is often beneficial to have someone else evaluate the situation. Make a note of any evidence: was anyone else present? What occasion or type of workday was this? Any additional information regarding the situation and day in question. This may involve reassigning employees to other teams or responsibilities, denying customers access to the workplace, or giving employees notice of termination.
On the other hand, you do not have the right to request that the procedure be completed according to your specifications. You may prefer that nothing further occurs and that the matter be resolved, or that the person who harassed you be fired. In cases like this, the employer too should also seek help and advice. For example, from union representatives and safety representatives, or from a trade union, the Gender Equality and Antidiscrimination Ombud Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet or the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority Arbeidstilsynet.
