U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Mimi Walters (R-CA) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA), members of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, seek to stop sexual harassment in the nation’s service industry, which over a decade has been responsible for a sizable chunk of related complaints filed with the federal government.
“Regardless of whether the harassment comes from a coworker, manager or customer, no one should have to deal with or tolerate sexual harassment in the workplace,” said Rep. Brooks, co-chair of the caucus with U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), during a March 19 hearing the group hosted entitled, “Beyond the Headlines: Combatting Service Sector Sexual Harassment in the Age of #MeToo.”
Members of the caucus are focused on finding solutions to change the workplace culture of the United States service sector, which according to Brooks accounted for 14.2 percent of all sexual harassment claims filed with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission from 2005 to 2015. Females aged 16 and over comprised upwards of 50 percent of the jobs across the accommodation and food services industry specifically during 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Ensuring our workplaces are free of sexual harassment and discrimination is of the utmost importance and I am proud to join my colleagues today from the bipartisan Congressional Women’s Caucus to shine a light on what more needs to be done to prevent future abuse as well as support and protect the victims of abuse while they are at work,” Brooks said.
Rep. Walters, vice chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, said stories in recent months from survivors of sexual harassment “demonstrate that the status quo is unacceptable and things must change.”
“Sexual harassment should not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Walters, who also thanked the speakers who shared their experiences during the caucus hearing, as well as the industry experts who offered insights on how to prevent future abuse and support victims. “We must continue this dialogue to ensure future generations can thrive in a workplace free of discrimination and harassment,” she added.
Rep. Comstock said the hearing is a continuation of the lawmakers’ efforts to “create a culture of zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the workplace,” and will help lawmakers determine the best practices to ensure such a culture exists.
“Sexual harassment occurs in all industries,” said Comstock. “We heard compelling testimony about sexual harassment in the service industry. From flight attendants to waitresses and bartenders, sexual harassment occurs throughout a variety of industries and we need to hear from more voices on how we can turn this around.”
U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), also a caucus member, said that almost 50 percent of hotel housekeepers surveyed reported being flashed by a guest, and nearly 60 percent of hotel workers reported sexual harassment.
“And when they are attacked, the message is clear – shut up if you want to keep your job. Well, we had a clear message to send today as well,” Speier said during the hearing. “The Me Too movement is moving on to the service sector. Because for servers, hospitality workers, flight attendants, and every working woman in America, Time’s Up.”