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Discrimination and Sexual Harrasment

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Written by bluewave 15. Jan 2008 04:38 PM

Hi everyone :)

I have decided to write a letter to my boss concerning a few issues. I work for a stock broking firm and if you don't know much about it, the best way to describe this 'culture' is as a BOYS CLUB. They are all alcoholics and womanisers. They quite proudly admit they have girlfriends apart from their wives and despite all being middle aged they party harder than me!

It's great fun until you realize how out of control the whole system is. I have been felt up on many occasions. Half the time I can firmly say to stop it, but sometimes I am so shocked I just sit there, I feel like a little girl again. Last time I was felt up I dug my nails into my boss's knee and rapidly moved my eyes in the direction of business man that was sitting next to me, he just shrugged and said they are all like that.

Also random businessmen and my boss have on several occassions mention that I should lose weight, that I am a 'heavy girl' and question about me behind my back. I find this extremely hurtful :( especially when they are old and ugly themselves and at the end of the day it's business not a BEAUTY CONTEST!!

I feel like I have been greatly discriminated against because I am a woman and because of my appearance. I am 165cm and weigh 80kg I am a size 12/14 I know I( am overweight but I'm not obese!

I am so hurt and angry still. It hasn't happened for awhile and I'm angry I didn't defend myself earlier. It's been about 11monthat working with firm but I need to say something.

I have written an informal complaint which I plan to give to my boss. I don't want to make a big thing out of it but I think it needs to be done if woman especially want to improve the ideals of the business world.

I am currently feeling extremely unattractive and just keep on eating now. I feel fat and horrible but trying not to crack or self harm because I know thats what they want.

bluewave
xxoo

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Comments from the community:

That is disgusting, pathetic, just so wrong & highly illegal.Being "felt up" is sexual assault, and far more serious than harrasment.

Are there any witnesses to any of this behaviour who would back you up? These arseholes need to be taught the kind of public lesson the courts can deal out.

Written by Deleted_User, 15. Jan 2008 05:05 PM

I'm with you in principle but once again I suggest another job.

Written by Deleted_User, 15. Jan 2008 05:30 PM

Hey,
Totally agree with LD ,that type of behaviour is out-dated and highly illegal.

I would certainly report it to your boss and inform him its against all OH & S and workplace laws .

Is there a way you can belittle the person if they do it - quite loudly - after once or twice I think the message will get across that its unacceptable to you , you may find the 'decent' men and women will follow your lead , and stick up for you , and themselves .

I wish you well and please let me know how things go , Grrrr -Pisses me off big time

Sleep with angels,and good luck
Bryzy

Written by Bryan, 15. Jan 2008 05:32 PM

Absolutely no one deserves to be treated like that. That is disgusting behavior from grown up men. I think you should make a huge deal out of it. Don't stop until this is resolved. You should never ever have to be put through this.

Please do something about it, make a huge scene so they learn and it does not happen to others.

That behavior is appalling and no one has the right to do that.

Written by Christine24, 15. Jan 2008 06:17 PM

Bluewave

Don't write a letter to your boss as it will get you into more trouble. Go to the anti discrimination tribunal in your state and lodge a claim against the firm/boss. That way it will teach them a lesson and they will have to defend their actions in a court.

Go Bluewave!!!

Studying1

Written by studying1, 15. Jan 2008 08:26 PM

Hi Bluewave
Men can be such shits!
Who do they think they are? It's not like they're young studs or anything is it?
In some occupations, sadly, it is a "Man's World".
I hope you can get something done. Their behaviour and comments are totally disgusting and inappropriate.
Best of luck.
Maya

Written by Maya, 17. Jan 2008 01:16 AM

i suggest you involve the police, make a complaint of assualt. that should wipe the smarmy smiles off their faces. you go girl!!

Written by philip, 24. Jan 2008 06:29 PM

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