By Jack Tuckner, Esq.
Can you file a sexual harassment complaint against your employer if you were an unpaid intern? Yes, if you work in certain states, such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and there are other states, those are the three states in the tri-state area where this firm is based where unpaid interns are just as protected as fully paid long-term employees. So, unfortunately under United States law still, unpaid interns are not considered employees per title, entitled to protection under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. But again, many states such as the states where this firm practices do protect unpaid interns, just as much as full-time employees are protected against sexual harassment.
So, if you have any questions, particularly if you work in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey about the sexual harassment you’re enduring if you’re an unpaid intern, remember that you’re fully protected. You must complain to that company about the sexual harassment. And if you have any questions about what you’re going through and how best to handle the situation as an unpaid intern, feel free to contact us.
We’re experienced sexual harassment attorneys based in New York City, and we’ll be happy to consult with you in total confidence, free of charge, to see if and how we may be able to assist you in your workplace sexual harassment challenges as an unpaid intern against your company in order to hold them accountable.
This is Jack Tuckner. Thank you.