Larry R. Martinez, Co-Chair of Meltzer Lippe’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, is quoted extensively in an article published in Long Island Business News on April 11, 2018. The article, entitled “If employee complains of harassment – What Next?”, provides insights from attorneys and HR professionals about the need to address sexual harassment complaints in a timely and effective way.
Mr. Martinez states that “it’s incumbent for the company to conduct a swift, decisive investigation” and to actually enforce any anti-harassment policies already in place. “Words are one thing, but action is another… having a policy against harassment is only legitimate if a company protects its employees, and that starts with reassuring employees and giving them peace of mind that their complaint will be investigated vigorously.”
It’s also necessary for companies to assure those making complaints that they will not be subject to retaliation as a result of speaking out. “It’s important to remind the employee of the anti-retaliation policy,” states Mr. Martinez. “Many of the women in the #metoo cases were afraid of retaliation; the [Harvey] Weinstein case is indicative of that.”