California Quid Pro Quo Harassment Lawyer
“Quid pro quo” is a Latin term that means something for something. A favor for a favor. Tit for tat. Give and take. In short, it’s an exchange of goods or services.
While this may be a good mantra among friends and family members, quid pro quo is not something that should be happening in the workplace. That’s because it typically means some sort of sexual harassment, which is illegal under federal law.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor seeks sexual favors from a worker in exchange for some type of job benefit. For example, a manager may ask a female worker to have sex with them. In exchange, the manager will give them a raise or promotion. If the employee declines the request for sexual favors, they could face punishment, such as a demotion or pay cut.
Women are not the only ones affected by quid pro quo. Anyone can be a victim. Also, job applicants can be affected if they can prove that they were promised a job if they consent to sexual activity. If this type of harassment has happened to you, a California quid pro quo harassment lawyer from The Garza Firm can help you. Get justice and compensation today.
Proving Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
To hold your employer legally responsible for quid pro quo sexual harassment, you will need to prove various elements such as the following:
- The employee is a member of a protected class. This simply means that the victim is protected under federal law due to Title VII, which prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of sex.
- The employee was sexually harassed. They were the target of unwelcome sexual advances from a co-worker or supervisor.
- The harassment was sexually motivated. The harasser asked for sex.
- The employee’s employment was negatively impacted. The employee declined the sexual advances and it led to a decrease in compensation or a demotion.
- The employer is liable for the harassment due to respondeat superior. Under this legal principle, the harasser was in a position to influence the terms or conditions of the victim’s employment.
Keep in mind that threats are typically not enough for a victim to file a quid pro quo sexual harassment. The harasser has to actually do something that affects the victim’s employment. Quid pro quo harassment requires some type of tangible employment consequence. However, even if there is no consequence, the situation may still qualify as a hostile work environment.
Contact The Garza Firm Today
Quid pro quo harassment is often based on sexual favors and is illegal in the workplace. You should not feel as though you have to engage in sexual favors in order to get ahead or even keep your job.
Discuss your case with the California quid pro quo harassment lawyers at The Garza Firm. Schedule a consultation with our office by filling out the online form or calling (949) 570-8350.
