Crespo Backs Measure to Reduce Workplace Harassment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, is supporting legislation to crack down on workplace harassment by creating a task force to establish best practices and model policies for employers.

“The prevalence of harassment in the workplace is far too high and even in a time when survivors are empowered to come forward, more needs to be done to make sure every workplace is safe,” Crespo said. “This task force will help employers create guidelines that keep their employees safe and hold people responsible if they commit misconduct.”

Crespo is supporting House Bill 905, which would create the Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force to study workplace harassment and develop model policies and best practices for employers statewide. The task force would investigate anonymous reporting, employee training, guidelines for human resources departments and protection from retaliation. The task force would also develop additional policies for protections against harassment based on gender, immigration status, race or sexual orientation.

“Harassment is unacceptable and this is a necessary measure to help employers put an end to workplace harassment,” added Crespo. “I am committed to working with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to help create safer working environments for the people of Illinois.”