Q: How do I handle harrassment in the work place when it is not considered discrimination?
I am a white, single, gay female. I have no reason to be discriminated against (my employers don't care about me being gay). But that doesn't change the fact that they have been singling me out, holding me to different standards compared to my co workers. I've reported multiple instances of harrassment to HR in the past year. Nothing has been done, the people who verbally harrassed me have been able to keep their jobs and the harrassment has continued but to a few selected other co workers. Now they are saying I can never be sick (due to long term symptoms of COVID that I have continually been struggling with, which I got covid from work in September now I have lung issues) as well as car issues (which my boss is aware of because she had to give me a ride to work), I've been asking for a raise for almost 6 months since my last raise was only .13 and I've been struggling living paycheck to paycheck so now I can't fix my car. If I'm sick/ car issues again, they said they will fire me.
A: There is not a lot you can do about verbal harassment that is not based upon your membership in a protected class, aside from reporting it to your supervisor and Human Resources. However, if you are experiencing lasting health complications as a result of COVID, you may be eligible for intermittent leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, which would protect your job if you miss a day of work due to this medical condition. You should speak to HR about your eligibility for this leave.
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