September 11, 2024 – Following the reintroduction of the BE HEARD Act, RALIANCE released the following statement.
“RALIANCE applauds Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) for reintroducing the BE HEARD Act to address workplace harassment. This is a crucial legislative step toward ensuring all workers are protected and empowered to seek accountability and justice. Ending mandatory arbitration and pre-employment non-disclosure agreements and expanding civil rights protections for independent contractors, interns and tipped workers are crucial to creating respectful and safe environments for all.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue that affects workers across every community and career level. For too long, clauses in employment contracts have silenced workers and denied them equal protections. Survivors have the right to work with safety and dignity and pursue justice and economic security.
At RALIANCE, we strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in environments that are free from harassment, misconduct and abuse. Harassment and other forms of discrimination thrive in secrecy. We can change workplace cultures for the better by promoting transparency and accountability. We stand in full support of the BE HEARD Act and urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this important legislation.”