Sexual Harassment on the Job

Labor

Shift from Patriarchy

Violence

Lesbian Radio

Side A is a radio program on WBAI in New York, hosted by Viv Sutherland, and addresses the serious issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. The show consists of two central interviews: Mary Garvin, a carpenter and member of a union, and Rachel, a legal secretary, who both tell their own stories of being harassed at the workplace. Mary Garvin, a member of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1204, describes her own encounters with casual and malicious forms of harassment at work on building sites, such as discriminatory treatment as a minority worker. Rachel describes a hellish experience of attempted sexual attack by her employer, a private attorney, detailing being physically restrained and assaulted in his office. The program also features phone-ins from listeners discussing different issues surrounding sexual harassment, law, and potential responses to such an event––some advocating for violent responses. The discussion touches upon the issue of complexities of building harassment cases, shortcomings in current legal protection, and the need for systemic changes to assist the victims better and prevent workplace harassment. Side B continues with call-ins. It expands on themes from the first half but brings in more emphasis on legal, economic, and cultural barriers to justice. The program ends with a call for systemic change, grassroots activism, and women reclaiming their power in courtrooms, workplaces, and daily interactions.

WBAI radio

Contact LHA at dyv.lha@gmail.com

Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Audio Recording; Radio talk shows

WBAI Radio

Mary Garvin

Rachel

Viv Sutherland

Audio cassette