Concerned with Pervasive Sexual Harassment in Industries Outside the Spotlight, Senator Murray Requests Information from Trade Associations in Industries with Millions of Workers

Senator Murray sent letters to 12 major trade associations inquiring what steps are being taken to prevent and address sexual harassment in their industries 

As more powerful and famous people come forward with stories of sexual harassment, Senator Murray is seeking information on harassment of millions of women and men whose voices may not be heard 

Senator Murray: “In recent months, stories of sexual harassment have dominated the headlines and sparked a national conversation about change, power dynamics, and equality in the workplace and beyond” 

(Washington, D.C.)  – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking Democrat on the Senate health committee, sent letters to 12 trade associations requesting information on harassment statistics. These associations represent the industries with some of the highest rates of sexual harassment reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As many people are coming forward and sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, Senator Murray is working to ensure every woman and man, no matter where they work, or how much money they make, has a workplace free from harassment.

“In recent months, stories of sexual harassment have dominated the headlines and sparked a national conversation about change, power dynamics, and equality in the workplace and beyond,” wrote Senator Murray. “Workers across the country are speaking out about their experiences, and their stories have made clear that we all have a great deal of work to do to address this pervasive, systemic, and longstanding issue. Although we are seeing headlines about powerful and famous people being called to account for their actions, we are seeing far less action in industries outside of the spotlight. Therefore, I hope and expect that you are taking steps to address concerns about misconduct in your industry and to ensure your members’ workplaces are free from harassment.”

These letters follow similar letters sent by Senator Murray and HELP Committee Democrats to the Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services inquiring what the heads of each agency are doing to prevent harassment at their workplaces. 

Senator Murray sent letters to the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Hotel and Lodging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., The Association of Chief Human Resource Officers, Associated General Contractors of America, ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, National Association of Manufacturers, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, Inc., Society for Human Resource Management, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.