Tammy Baldwin Introduces Workplace Harassment Bill

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., has introduced legislation that makes employers more accountable for workplace harassment.

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employers could only be held responsible for harassment if it involved a supervisor with the ability to hire and fire. The Fair Employment Protection Act adds middle managers to the list.

Speaking on WPR’S Central Time, Baldwin said the bill gives employees the tools they need to fight their cases in court.

“Everybody should be able to work hard, play by the rules, and get ahead,” said Baldwin. “But unfortunately harassment still persists in the workforce and workers need the tools in order to fight back.”

Baldwin called the Supreme Court ruling a major departure from how lower courts had interpreted the law.