For the past nine months, ridesharing giant Uber has spent nearly a year resisting demands by California lawmakers to provide vital data. The information in question is regarding claims of sexual harassment and sexual assault made by customers and drivers alike. Uber seeks forgiveness instead of permission, which was challenged. However, the company now faces potentially heavy penalties for refusing to cooperate with the Public Utilities Commission on providing the requested data.
What Does the Hearing Entail?
The hearing, which follows a ruling from July 27, 2020, allows the Commission to investigate the complaints made against Uber. The point is to ensure the safety of riders, but Uber has continuously evaded answering the questions posed by the Commission and has refused to provide the data.
Like any other situation involving sexual harassment or assault accusations, if you are dealing with a similar issue, you need an experienced employment attorney Los Angeles on your side.
What Can the Commission Do?
If Uber fails to comply with the Commission’s order to turn over the requested data, it can face certain penalties. Specifically, it could be fined as much as $100,000 per offense and get fines of a maximum of $5,000 for each offense. In addition, the Commission may even decide to either suspend or revoke the ridesharing company’s permit to operate. Another potential penalty could be an additional $7,500 per violation. Any fines Uber receives for continuously refusing to comply with the request can also be multiple for each day they refuse, according to a Commission spokeswoman.
At the end of the day, the fines could amount to tens of millions of dollars. It’s up to the judge and the Commission to determine how much Uber will be fined for each violation it commits.
Sexual harassment and assault is nothing to take lightly. If you have faced either, it’s important to retain the best sexual harassment lawyer Los Angeles has so you can fight back and protect your rights.
History of the Problem
The problem dates back to December 2019. Uber had revealed that it had around 6,000 reports of sexual assault over two years in the United States. The company came under intense criticism as a result. However, instead of doing the right thing, it evaded what it should have done. By December 19, a judge ruled that the company had to give more detailed information to the Commission.
Instead of complying with the order, Uber filed a motion for reconsideration and questioned why the data had to be released. The company also argued that revealing certain information, particularly that of the victims, could be harmful to them.
A month later, the judge denied the motion but ruled that some identifying information could be filed in a way to keep victims and witnesses protected. In turn, Uber asked the judge to stay parts of the previous ruling and also requested a new judge be instated to oversee the case.
If your workplace has a history of sexual harassment or if you’ve been sexually assaulted on the job, a Los Angeles work harassment attorney can be essential in getting you justice.
In California, Uber had received 1,243 complaints of sexual harassment or assault. This accounted for around 21 percent of those included in the safety report from December 2019, according to the motion filing.
A sexual assault lawyer in the workplace may be necessary if you are in a similar situation or if you are employed by a company such as Uber. It’s important to know you have rights and can take action to protect yourself.
If you are located in California and have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment at the hands of a coworker or supervisor, a Los Angeles workplace lawyer can help you. There are many options available to you for a sexual harassment lawyer Los Angeles based. A Los Angeles work harassment attorney can represent you in your case and help you take back your life. A sexual assault lawyer in the workplace can help you to fight back and keep your job.
