Yesterday, Senator Patty Murray's office issued the following:
As Impact of #MeToo Movement Grows in Washington State and Nationwide, New Report From Senator Murray Shines Spotlight On Sexual Assault, Harassment In Key Industries; Recommends Next Steps To Stop Harassment For All Workers
Yearlong oversight
report highlights stories of brave women and men who came forward to
share experiences of workplace harassment, their stories are making an
impact
Report highlights need for new federal action to give workers the tools and support they need to hold employers accountable
Senator Murray: “I
wanted to make sure that Congress paid attention not just to the
stories from Hollywood or here in the nation’s capital, but to all
workers”
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a new report
on the scourge of workplace harassment, entitled, “‘…So I Tolerated It:’ How Workplaces Are Responding to Harassment and the Clear Need for Federal Action.”
The report is a result of a nearly yearlong examination, initiated by
Senator Murray after so many brave women and men came forward and shared
their stories of sexual harassment and assault in the wake of the
#MeToo movement. It examines the ways in which survivors’ stories are
leading to change and underscores the need for stronger action to ensure
workers have the tools and support to hold employers accountable. The
report comes on the heels of legislation passed
by Congress last week to strengthen protections for congressional
employees against sexual assault and harassment, which Senator Murray
supported.
“We’ve
seen so many people bravely come forward and make clear that sexual
assault and harassment in the workplace just has to stop—and I wanted to
make sure that Congress paid attention not just to the stories from
Hollywood or here in the nation’s capital, but to all workers,
especially in industries like manufacturing and food service where these
threats are especially high,” said Senator Murray. “It’s
inspiring to see that, as the report shows, workers are having an
impact by speaking up. It’s also clear there is a real need for stronger
protections and preventative measures, which is something I’ll be very
focused on as we head into the next Congress.”
The
report is based on conversations with survivors, advocates, labor
unions, and business groups, among others. It includes a review of
existing federal laws and policies and outlines the ways in which
workers currently do not have the tools or support at the federal level
to hold employers accountable for preventing workplace harassment, or to
effectively and equally advocate for their rights and safety on the
job. In addition to providing an overview of serious gaps in research,
prevention, and legal protection that both enable workplace harassment
and prevent workers from enforcing their rights, the report lays out
recommendations for federal action to begin closing these gaps.
The report can be found HERE.
The appendix to the report can be found HERE.