Investigation Report: In September 2022, my supervisor unexpectedly showed up at my home, jokingly stating that he needed to check if I was working. The following workday, he pulled me into the conference room and sexually harassed me while expressing his desire to make my schedule more accommodating. I reported him to the HR department the next day.
Investigation and Findings: HR conducted an investigation and concluded, after interviewing former employees, that multiple other employees had been assaulted by the supervisor. He was placed on 100% telework while the investigation was ongoing. I repeatedly complained to HR about the lengthy investigation process. Four months later, he resigned and found a new job with another government agency.
Management History: The management has a history of inappropriate behavior, including sexual messages in group chats. Additionally, a poster of my supervisor, photoshopped onto a picture of a nearly naked man in a speedo, was placed on my cubicle and remained there for years. No one addressed the issue, as they found it amusing.
Penalties and Mediation: Shortly after his resignation, I was called in for mandatory remedial training, which resulted in the loss of my hybrid telework arrangement and required me to be in the office with less than 24 hours' notice to arrange childcare. Subsequently, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Although I successfully completed the PIP, I was put on probation and assigned a night-shift position that I did not request. A few months later, I was terminated for alleged deficiencies in work performance. Prior to reporting the harassment, I had never received any disciplinary action and was even offered a raise for being an outstanding employee around the same time last year.
I have been invited to participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediation with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). I am unsure of what to expect from this mediation. I cannot afford an attorney and would appreciate any legal advice regarding the claims I can fight for during the mediation.
Please note that these are preliminary paraphrased statements, and they should not be considered as professional legal advice. It is advisable to consult with a specialized attorney for accurate and detailed legal guidance based on the specific details of your case.