Imagine having to go to work each day knowing that you were going to be harassed or abused when you show up. For some women in California, that was the way they were living. Legislators took notice, and now that will hopefully change.
In California, a new law just passed that protects female workers from sexual harassment on the job. The bill, called Senate Bill 1087, requires all agricultural supervisors to take sexual harassment training. Previously, women working in the farming trade had reportedly been concerned about telling anyone about their abuse; some are undocumented workers, while others are concerned they will lose their jobs.
The new bill is a direct response to clams that frequent sexual assaults against women were taking place in the fields. Since those weren’t always being reported, something had to be done. The legislation also mandates training for all employees when hired and again once every two years at the very least. It’s hoped that with increased education about what is and is not acceptable, the number of sexual harassment and abuse complaints will fall.
If you are a person who has been subjected to sexual harassment and abuse in the past, you may know what these women are going through. Any legislation that can help is welcome news, but enforcement is an entirely different matter. If you have questions about this bill or sexual harassment crimes that you’ve dealt with in the past, you may want to speak with someone who understands your legal rights. You don’t have to put up with a hostile work environment, especially since the law is on your side.
Source: ABC News 10, “New law protects female field workers from sexual harassment” Gabriel Roxas,, Sep. 30, 2014