At Risman & Risman, P.C., we recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of two employees of Mike’s Diner in Brooklyn. Our clients allege that what should have been an ordinary job at a neighborhood restaurant turned into a workplace where they endured repeated sexual harassment and were retaliated against for daring to speak up.

According to the complaint, the employees were subjected to daily sexual comments, unwelcome touching, and crude gestures. They allege that managers and owners either dismissed their concerns, laughed them off, or, in some cases, participated in the conduct. Instead of receiving protection after coming forward, our clients allege they were punished, assigned less favorable shifts, faced hostility from supervisors, and ultimately lost their jobs.

One of the plaintiffs further alleges that she was pressured to sign a false affidavit denying harassment in exchange for money. Both plaintiffs describe not only the harm they suffered from the harassment itself, but also the loss of dignity and livelihood that came when their attempts to assert their rights were met with retaliation. These are allegations that will be tested in court. Still, they illustrate the profound vulnerability workers can face when those in power fail to act responsibly.

The law in New York is clear. Under federal law, state law, and the New York City Human Rights Law, employees are entitled to a workplace free of sexual harassment. Retaliation for reporting misconduct is illegal in its own right. In New York City, the protections are robust: an employee does not need to prove that harassment was ‘severe or pervasive.’ It is enough to show that they were treated less well because of their gender.

This lawsuit highlights a broader truth. Harassment thrives in silence, and retaliation is one of the most powerful tools used to enforce that silence. When workers believe they will be punished for speaking up, misconduct tends to flourish. The law was written to break that cycle, to ensure that reporting harassment is the first step toward accountability, not the last straw before losing a job.

At Risman & Risman, P.C., we are proud to represent these employees and to stand with workers across New York who are forced to endure harassment and retaliation. Speaking up should have been enough to stop the misconduct. We will continue fighting to make sure the law protects employees who show the courage to come forward. Call us at 212-233-6400 or contact us online for a free confidential consultation.