Israeli Club Owner Ordered to Pay 130,000 Shekels for Sexual Harassment of Waitresses
An Israeli nightclub owner has been ordered by a labor court to pay a total of 130,000 shekels in compensation to two waitresses who experienced sexual harassment while working at his club. The court found that the owner repeatedly made degrading and sexual remarks about the employees' appearance and bodies, demanded they wear revealing clothing such as tank tops without bras to attract customers, and failed to protect them when customers touched them inappropriately. One waitress testified that the owner even touched himself inappropriately in her presence.
The court also ruled that the owner dismissed the waitresses' complaints about customer harassment with contempt, telling one to "be thankful they touch you" and another to "just ignore it." He linked the acceptance of such behavior to higher tips and increased business revenue. The court emphasized that an employer's responsibility extends beyond their own conduct to preventing harassment by clients or others on the premises.
Legal experts noted the ruling highlights the power imbalance between employer and employees, stating that employees are not required to explicitly reject sexual advances when the employer holds authority over their work conditions. The court rejected the owner's claim that his comments were made in jest, stating that repeated sexual remarks create a hostile work environment and that forcing employees to dress provocatively is degrading.
Additionally, the club lacked basic anti-harassment policies and did not appoint a responsible party to handle complaints, violating legal obligations. The compensation amount reflected the severity and frequency of the harassment, the harm to the waitresses' dignity and job security, and the employer's failure to fulfill his active duties. The harassment ultimately led the women to leave their jobs.
This case serves as a warning to employers about their duty to maintain a safe and respectful workplace and to take harassment complaints seriously, regardless of the source.
