Ok, I am on the volunteer fire department in my town. I am the only woman on the department so I know I have to put up with a certain amount of flirting etc. But it has got to where everytime I go to the fire department there is a group of guys that is either already there or comes up there and they are really vulgar. They actually humiliate me in the name of teasing. I know boys will be boys and guys in their late teens early twentys mostly think of sex. But shouldn't they respect me and be able to carry on a decent conversation with me? What can I do or say to make them treat me with respect?
Every thing i have tried to make it better, they only think it is funny and continue. They say I am fun to make fun of.
2007-03-12 02:02:11 · 9 answers · asked by ems_lover 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
you need to bring this to the fire chief's attention!
and i would say that if it is bothering you then it is sexual harassment
2007-03-12 02:10:19 · answer #1 · answered by kelly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need to do is file a complaint with the HR department for the municipality. Provide a record of dates and incidents. Also make sure the chief is informed at the same time.
Sexual harassment ahs manay different forms and yours is one that some men don't seem to grasp. Firefighters is still a male dominated profession and being such, a lone female coworker is an easy target for teasing. But it sounds like they are not believing your objections and that makes their actions sexual harassment. If they won't listen, then perhaps a formal complaint through the municipality will get their attention and make them realize you're serious. Yes, it will hurt you relationship with them but it's either they harass you or get hurt from a complaint. I think the latter is better for you.
-- Liam
2007-03-12 09:47:31 · answer #2 · answered by almcneilcan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a female who used to be a police officer. I put up with all kinds of crap, and even found some of it entertaining, but the fact remains that I let it happen. It is still illegal, regardless of when you started to feel uncomfortable. These guys are just doing what they have always done, and have gotten comfortable doing it.
You do have to make some kind of effort to ask the offending parties to stop- I suggest following your chain of command, gently. You do want to keep your job, but then again, it is a VOLUNTEER position. If you ever hope to be a paid employee somewhere and use them as a reference, tread lightly. Government is weird like that...
2007-03-12 09:12:45 · answer #3 · answered by juicy13500 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them know that you do not find it funny and if it continues you will be taking the matter up with your supervisor. No one should have to accept this kind of behavior on a daily basis. Hope everything works out.
2007-03-12 09:14:30 · answer #4 · answered by ann t 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that you volunteered because you cared about the people in the town in general. Tell them that you have a job to do and don't have time for their vulgar remarks. Do it, and if the harrassment continues tell your supervisor. They can "put their glad pants on the same way they put their mad pants on".
2007-03-12 09:15:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sucks. I'm sorry you have to go through that...
..I would suggest taking each of these guys aside, individually, and telling them one-on-one how you feel about these jokes.
I think it's usually a little easier to explain something to a single person, than it is to tell a group... 'Mob mentality' n' all that... :/
..Good luck!
2007-03-12 09:14:11 · answer #6 · answered by Joka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them u don't like the way treat u. If they don't stop say something to someone about the way they treat u.
2007-03-12 09:20:02 · answer #7 · answered by crazycat373 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are uncomfortable then it isn't right. You need to go to the supervisor and say something. Don't wait!!!
2007-03-12 09:10:52 · answer #8 · answered by Tattoomom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your Chief and tell him or her what you have told us.
2007-03-12 09:12:52 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋