Directive 58 EEO

Harassment Policy in the Philadelphia Fire Department

• The category not protected by law against harassment in the Philadelphia Fire Department is not specified.

Consequences of Harassment

• Individuals engaging in harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or abuse will face consequences.

Enforcement of Harassment Policy

• The Human Resources Equal Employment Opportunity (HR EEO) Unit is responsible for enforcing the prohibition against sexual and other unlawful harassment.

Filing a Complaint

• Employees can seek assistance from the HR EEO Unit, supervisors, or a union representative to prepare a Discrimination Complaint Form.
• A written complaint must be filed within 30 days of a verbal complaint.

Complaint Process

• All complaint statements must be signed and dated.
• The HR EEO Unit is responsible for evaluating all complaints of discrimination received by the Department.

Investigations

• The HR EEO Unit will conduct investigations in conjunction with the fire department.
• If a discrimination complaint involves criminal conduct such as rape or assault, it will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Reporting Harassment

• Employees should report any kind of harassment to their supervisor, the HR EEO Unit, or a union representative.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

• Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
• Sexual harassment based on sexual favoritism occurs when an employee grants favorable treatment to an individual in exchange for sexual favors.

Retaliation

• Retaliation against an employee who has made a complaint about unlawful harassment or cooperated with an investigation is prohibited.
• Supervisors are responsible for the unchecked retaliatory actions of their subordinates.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Upon becoming aware of an incident or complaint, Officers/Supervisors must take appropriate action, even if a complaint has not been formally filed.

Employee Responsibilities

• Employees who believe they have experienced unlawful harassment should report it to their supervisor, the HR EEO Unit, or a union representative.

Examples of Harassment

• Examples of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include:
  • Unwanted touching or fondling
  • Making suggestive comments or gestures
  • Displaying sexually suggestive images
• Examples of conduct that may constitute prohibited harassment based on race include:
  • Using racial slurs
  • Making racial jokes or comments
  • Displaying racially offensive images
• Examples of conduct that may constitute prohibited harassment based on sexual orientation include:
  • Making derogatory comments
  • Displaying offensive images or symbols

Quiz: Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace Discover your knowledge about retaliation in the workplace with this informative quiz. Test your understanding of the various forms of retaliation, such as reprisals, discipline, and demotion, that can occur when someone files a complaint or cooperates in an investigation of discrimination or sexual harassment. Learn about the potential consequences, including lowered performance evaluations and demeaning assignments. Enhance your awareness of employee rights and ensure a fair and equitable work environment.