REPS LIEU AND OCASIO-CORTEZ REINTRODUCE BILL TO FIGHT SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) reintroduced the Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act, legislation to require publicly traded companies to disclose the presence and status of sexual harassment and discrimination claims as well as any financial settlements paid out to victims.
In fiscal years 2010–2022, U.S. employers paid out over $650 million to employees who alleged sex-based harassment through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) administrative enforcement pre-litigation process. The Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act aims to increase transparency around companies’ handling of sexual harassment and discrimination claims by requiring them to report out information on the status of existing claims and any financial payments made to the victims. It also requires the companies to share substantive information on efforts to prevent inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
“I’m pleased to introduce legislation to stop public U.S. companies from silencing victims of sexual harassment and abuse, as well as discrimination, in the workplace,” said Congressman Lieu. “It is unjust and deeply wrong for companies to simply pay off employees who’ve been victims of inappropriate behavior as a way to sweep it under the rug. Our legislation imposes critical reporting requirements that force public companies to disclose the existence and status of sexual harassment and discrimination claims, infusing much-needed transparency and accountability into the process. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have highlighted how common sexual harassment in the workplace is and the urgent need to address it. I’m pleased to join Representative Ocasio-Cortez to stand on the side of the victims and commit to doing everything in our power to prevent this disturbing and harmful behavior from happening in any workplace in America.”
“These essential reforms ensure workers across the country are protected by shining a light on misconduct, holding repeat offenders accountable, and empowering employees to report abuse without fear,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “In a just society, the safety and dignity of every person, regardless of where they work, must be prioritized. This bill is an important first step in ensuring that workers everywhere are respected.”
Specifically, the Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act requires public companies to:
- Report information related to existing and resolved claims of sexual assault, abuse and harassment as well as discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and service member status.
- Disclose the existence of repeat offenders by disclosing the existence of repeat settlements as it pertains to a specific individual.
- Disclose information on their efforts to prevent the harassment, discrimination, and abuse by their employees.
- Disclose the average length of time it takes to resolve discrimination and harassment complaints.
- Engage and pay for independent, licensed investigators to investigate claims.
- Establish an anonymous whistle blower tip-line for employees.
- Require employers to develop and disseminate workplace training programs to educate employees at all levels, no matter what position, about what constitutes prohibited discrimination and harassment, how to report, how to prevent this behavior, and what rights individuals have.
Congressman Lieu introduced this legislation in the 116th, 117th and 118th Congresses.
Last Congress, the legislation was endorsed by: A Better Balance, American Association of University Women, Equal Pay Today, Equal Rights Advocates, Futures Without Violence, Gender Equality Law Center, Gender Justice, Institute for Women's Policy Research, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Positive Results Center, The Arc, Women's Law Project, Women's Economic Institute, Inc.
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