On Capitol Hill, complaints on rise for harassment, hostile work environments

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

Complaints of harassment and hostile work environments are on the rise on Capitol Hill, where offices are not required to keep personnel records, provide mandatory anti-discrimination training or protect whistleblowers despite forcing other government agencies and private employers to do so, a new report says.

Lawmakers collectively employ about 30,000 people working in crammed Capitol Hill suites or storefront district offices across the country, and at support agencies, including the Architect of the Capitol and U.S. Capitol Police. About two-thirds of legislative branch employees call the Washington area home, according to estimates by the nonpartisan Office of Compliance, which monitors congressional workplace issues.

The office’s annual “State of the Congressional Workplace” report, scheduled for release Thursday, finds that a growing number of congressional staff members are seeking advice on how to deal with harassment and discipline issues.

By law, congressional staff members may choose to meet with OOC officials to review personnel complaints or mediate workplace disputes, and may pursue claims in an administrative hearing or refer the case to federal court if the allegations are unresolved.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/on-capitol-hill-complaints-on-rise-for-harassment-hostile-work-environments/2011/09/28/gIQAYmuy5K_story.html

[hlthe2b]

1. Anyone want to bet there might just be a correlation....

with far RW and specifically Teabagger Congressional offices? :shrug: Just a theory, but....

[alp227]

2. I've also heard that Anthony Weiner treated his staffers poorly

"By his own account, Mr. Weiner is an intense and demanding employer, with a propensity to raise his voice or pound on furniture when he wants to make a point. It is a hard-charging style, honed in Brooklyn, which appeals to some — but not all — in Washington, Mr. Weiner said in an interview last month." (NYT, "One More Member of Weiner’s Staff Heads Out the Door", 8/21/08)

[hlthe2b]

3. Yes... unfortunately, I've heard that too...

We do have our own bad apples, I'm afraid. Weiner still depresses me. Such a pathetic waste and for what?

[Kelvin Mace]

5. I agree, asshats on both sides

but what is the ratio? That is the key question.

[No Elephants]

7. Sestak, too, also by his own admission

[dogmoma56]

4. elected and appointed officials should be screened with Dr Hare's Psychopath Test..

[No Elephants]

6. 635 lawmakers employing 30,000 Jaysus. And why are they above the law?