Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration says the Democrat is backing a package of forthcoming legislation that’s designed to improve protections in Pennsylvania against workplace sexual harassment and discrimination.
Wolf’s announcement Thursday with Democratic lawmakers comes amid revelations of misconduct allegations against several lawmakers and state agreements to pay more than $3 million to settle sexual misconduct claims over the past decade.
The proposals include extending from 180 days to two years the period in which victims and whistleblowers can file a court complaint and allowing them to seek punitive damages in workplace discrimination cases.
It also would extend state anti-discrimination laws to all workplaces, from workplaces with at least four employees. Wolf also supports mandatory trainings for employees and supervisors to prevent discrimination and harassment.
Wolf Backs Anti Workplace Sexual Harassment Bills and Mandatory Training for Employees & Township Supervisors
Speaking of anti-sexual harrassment training, Newtown Twonship Supervisors approved the hiring of the Curtin & Heefner law firm as Township Labor Attorneys.
Kyong Ha Growney, Partner, Employment & Labor Law and Public Sector Law at Curtin & Heffner, will counsel the township on all labor, employment, and employee benefits related matters, including employee discipline, sexual harassment, and in the creation or revision of employee policies and handbooks. When she was interviewed for the job I specifically asked that she consider providing sexual harassment training for employees. It would be a good idea, IMHO, for Supervisors to also get this training.