Sexual harassment at the workplace in the hospitality industry

Abstract

This research paper is a conceptual analytical one which discusses the issue of employee sexual harassment in the hotel industry and the legal avenues open to victims. By unpacking and analyzing the issue, a better understanding of what can be done to obviate sexual harassment can be obtained. The article thus strives to make important information available to those who are employed in the industry and also makes suggestions as to what policies should be implemented by hotel managers to make the workplace safer and more ethical in orientation for employees. The article sets out the various bases of claim or causes of action that are at the disposal of an employee who has been sexually harassed at work. The article sets out under what circumstances each cause of action is applicable and the amount and type of compensation that can be awarded in each case in terms of South African labour law.