I work for a discount retail store. I am the second in comand on a store level. The only one above me is the store manager. I was told piror to coming to this store, he had a few complaints about being a bit sexist. I never believe these kinds of rumors, but after a week in the position I relalized they may have a point. I felt as if he went out of his way to avoid interaction with any of the female associates. He would only refer to the male associates by name, and refer to the female associates by "She" and "Her". After about three weeks, and more then one complaint by some female associates I decided it was in the stores best interest to bring it to the table. Behind closed doors, I politely explained to him how he was being observed by the female associates. He very strongley denied that he treated the female associates any different. However, he shortly after started making sure he refered to All associates by name. Then, we stated hirering for christmas help, and the only associate who were given full time hours were male associates. Again, I started to recieve complaints. I explained to the associates that if they felt strongly about the situation they needed to call our intergrity hot line. Some of the associates did. Nothing was ever done. Feeling they may have not had enough to investigate, I encouraged them to continue to call. Then, a female member of management complained to the district management about not having at least eight hours between shifts. He was repremaned for not following Washington state law, but he retaliated agenst her for making the complaint by openly making digs about her not being able to handle the job, and that she needed to just suck it up, and only a female would complain, and look at the other (male) assistant who never complained about his schedule. She felt very harassed by this treatment, and complained to district about the retaliation. He then called her into the office, and they had a private discussion, and she came out crying. She never disclosed what was said, but I encouraged her to call the intergrity hot line. Then he stated in on me. He said in Hawii none of the store managers were women because they couldn't make it. They were too weak. I later found out I was peragnate and told him. He asked if I was going to stay home with the baby after it was born. I told him no I intended to continue my career. He then voiced how he felt the mother needed to say home, as his wife did. He has since told me I could do my job as effectifvly do to my pregnancy, and I should just go ahead and take my leave. I have called the hot line myself at this point, and was told to call back in two weeks to find out the status of the case. Does this qualify as a form of sexual harrasment? And what would be the best way to make this behavior stop?

It is not sexual harassment, but it may be gender discrimination.

Recent case law makes it necessary for you to go through all your internal procedures before taking outside action. When you have followed all internal remedies (including reporting possible gender discrimination to your company HR department) you can file a complaint with the EEOC or your state human rights commission.