How To Support The EMPOWER Act & Help Combat Workplace Harassment Across The Country
Washington,
July 18, 2018
Written by Lauren Holter, Bustle
A bipartisan effort is underway in Congress to combat the pervasive workplace harassment brought to light by the #MeToo movement. U.S. House representatives from both parties introduced a bill on Wednesday that already has sister legislation in the Senate aimed at holding public companies accountable for sexual misconduct. But in order for the measure to have any "Ultimately there was a monopoly of power in workplace harassment. Those who control a paycheck, or a reputation, or a promotion have the power to perpetrate harassment, to protect harassers, and to silence victims," Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), one of the bill's sponsors, said during a Wednesday press conference. "Today we say time’s up to this misconduct."
The bill's full name, Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace Harassment Through Education and Reporting, cuts to the point of what it's all about: giving employees the tools to speak out about If you'd rather avoid talking on the phone, Resistbot can help you quickly send a message to your representatives' office. When you text the word "resist" to 50409, the bot will ask you a few questions before prompting you to write a note it then faxes to Capitol Hill. Along with speaking to members of Congress, it can help to spread the word about legislation you support so that your friends and family can get involved, too. You may also tag your representatives in social media posts about why you want to see the EMPOWER Act on the books. Getting involved with advocacy organizations championing the proposed law is another option. The National Women’s Law Center, National Partnership of Women & Families, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Feminist Majority Foundation, and more than a dozen other groups that depend on volunteers all have voiced their support for the bill. All in all, championing a particular piece of legislation often involves making noise about whatever issue is at stake. The representatives who introduced the EMPOWER Act this week believe workplace harassment won't go away for good without Congress taking meaningful steps to eradicate it. "This takes it from a moment to a movement," Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester said at the press conference in reference to the #MeToo movement. "This takes it from a movement to action." |