Understanding and Addressing Sexual Harassment in Today’s Society
Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that continues to affect workplaces, educational institutions, and communities worldwide. Defined as unwanted or unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, it can manifest in various forms, from verbal comments and gestures to physical advances and coercion.
Forms of Sexual Harassment
- Verbal Harassment: This includes sexually suggestive comments, jokes, or remarks about a person’s appearance or private life. Such comments may seem harmless to some but can deeply affect the target’s sense of safety and dignity.
- Non-Verbal Harassment: Actions such as leering, staring, or making explicit gestures can also constitute sexual harassment. These behaviors often contribute to a hostile environment and can lead to significant distress for the individual targeted.
- Physical Harassment: Unwanted physical contact or advances, ranging from touching and hugging to more severe forms such as groping or assault, constitute physical sexual harassment. These actions violate personal boundaries and can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm.
We understand that several BAC local 3 members do not stay with one company, quite a few are travelers from one project to another, seasonal, or even rotate between two to three contractors. The focus for BAC LOCAL 3 is following the law, to protect our signatory contractors from liability, BAC Local 3 has implemented Harassment Prevention Training.
Prevention Training is a mandatory workplace education offered as a courtesy to BAC Local 3 signatory contractors and members even though California law specifies that an employer shall provide. When Senate Bill 1343 amended The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) businesses with five or more employees must supply sexual-harassment-prevention training. This mandatory training went into effect January 1, 2020, and every two years thereafter.
Some of the issues can be addressed by:
- Education and Awareness: Promoting awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment and its impact is essential. Training programs can help employees and students recognize inappropriate behavior and understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Support Systems: Establishing confidential reporting mechanisms and providing support services for victims is crucial. This includes access to counseling, legal advice, and protection against retaliation.
- Accountability: Holding perpetrators accountable through fair and transparent investigations and disciplinary measures sends a strong message that harassment will not be tolerated.
- Cultural Change: Creating a workplace or community culture that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect is fundamental to preventing sexual harassment. Leaders or Foremen play a pivotal role in setting the tone and enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Also, Journeypersons and new members not registered in an apprenticeship program may find the Sexual Harassment Prevention Training link at www.bac3-ca.org on the homepage. We cannot tolerate harassment among our membership. Each of us must satisfy the training requirement and retain every two years.
Addressing sexual harassment requires a multifaceted approach involving legal frameworks, organizational policies, education, and cultural change. By fostering environments where harassment is not tolerated and victims are supported, we can work towards a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered. It’s a collective responsibility to create a society free from the scourge of sexual harassment, and each of us has a role to play in achieving this goal.
Sincerely,
Emmanuel Enriquez