Originally Posted by
Packrat
Because it was an issue between two employees and they thought they could keep it out of the press. As long as its "in house" HR was convinced they could cover it up.
Different story when outside folks are involved. I know a guy who was fired from AS because he made off-color remarks to a female taxi driver and she complained to the Company.
The reason Ms. Pina is torqued is that AS tried to sweep it under the rug and allowed the Capt. to keep working for 8 months. Now that the story is public, he got suspended. If, in fact, he does get fired it will be because of the publicity. AS is VERY protective of their image. Often more protective of their image than their employees.
Every instance that I have seen where a company has solid proof that an individual commits any act of sexual assault they are gone. Period. The liabilities are just too great. The attorneys and HR will not take the risk of a lawsuit. Companies will not open themselves up to lawsuits just to cover for somebody. You might get a couple of warnings and suspension with harassment depending on the circumstances, but rape and drugging another employee? You are history.