Pressley, Clark, Garcia, Murray, Hirono, Slotkin, Strickland Reintroduce BE HEARD Act to Address Workplace Harassment

Statement

Even years after the #MeToo movement first began, workers across the country continue to face sexual harassment at work. For some workers, the pandemic has only made already pervasive sexual harassment even worse--particularly for women in the food service industry, who have reported a dramatic increase in sexual harassment, including customers harassing them to take off their masks in order to judge their looks. The continuing epidemic of sexual harassment at work highlights the urgent need to pass the BE HEARD Act, particularly as workers across the country return to in-person work.

This legislation includes key reforms including ending mandatory arbitration and pre-employment NDAs to help ensure transparency, expanding civil rights protections for workers--including independent contractors and interns, extending the time limit for reporting and challenging harassment, and ending the tipped minimum wage--a key reform to ensure workers don't have to endure harassment from customers because their wages depend on tips.

"Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, but far too many workers are subjected to workplace violence, toxic harassment and discrimination on the job. That must change," said Congresswoman Pressley. "Our bill would address this crisis head on by extending critical protections against harassment and discrimination to all working people and supporting workers as they seek accountability, justice and healing. For too long, too many of our most vulnerable workers have been forced to suffer in silence. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this comprehensive bill that will help us legislate justice and center their voices and lived experiences once and for all."

"Today, we're saying enough is enough: no more silence, no more complacency. Whether you're an assistant, an actress, a waitress, or an executive, workplace harassment is unacceptable, and victims must have the ability to seek justice. The Be Heard Act will broaden civil rights protections, ensure access to a legal process, expand victims' rights, and help change the culture of silence and abuse. This is about justice and respect for every worker, and nothing less should be tolerated under the law," said Assistant Speaker Clark.

"Too many workers wake up every day in fear of going to work because they know they will be harassed, disrespected, or worse," said Congresswoman Garcia. "This problem has only gotten worse as the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional strain on workers and resulted in increased harassment. Everyone should feel safe in their workplace and be treated with the dignity and respect that we all deserve. That's why I am proud to join my colleagues and grateful for their support in re-introducing this important bill. By passing the BE HEARD Act, Congress will stand firm on the side of workers in my district and across the country."

"It doesn't matter who you are, or where you work--everyone deserves to be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity." said Senator Murray. "Yet for too many workers, going to work still means putting up with sexual harassment and discrimination--and in some cases, the pandemic has only made this pervasive problem that much worse. This critical legislation will change that, by expanding protection for workers and ensuring they get the accountability and justice they deserve. I'm so proud to re-introduce the BE HEARD Act alongside my colleagues--because so long as workers continue to face sexual harassment, we will keep demanding better and fighting for change."

"There is no question that workers face discrimination and sexual harassment in our workplaces. Even with the laws we have on the books and the #MeToo movement shedding light on this problem, it's still way too easy for employers to get away with committing these offenses. Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or their personal decision to start a family. I'm proud to join Senator Murray and my House colleagues in re-introducing the BE HEARD Act which will take important steps to protect and empower workers, and stop employers from silencing anyone," said Senator Hirono.

"All workers, regardless of their background or their occupation, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Yet, many across our nation continue to face sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace without adequate recourse. With the Be HEARD Act, we are listening to workers' voices and calling on Congress to provide the full protections, accountability and justice everyone deserves in the workplace," said Congresswoman Strickland.

"Our national conversation around sexual harassment is long overdue. For too long, women across industries and backgrounds have been unable to come forward to report harassment, or have been met with obstacles and retaliation for demanding their right to work free of harassment or discrimination," said Rep. Slotkin. "I'm proud to stand alongside my colleagues and survivors in reintroducing the Be HEARD Act -- not just to update our laws and keep workers safe in the workplace, but to help change the leadership climate and culture that has for too long tolerated harassment and abuse. Enough."

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