Latina custodial workers in Montgomery County fire stations say they've been the targets of abusive comments and sexual harassment, according to Fire Rescue Service Chief Scott Goldstein.
Goldstein sent an email calling out the alleged out of bounds behavior to all 2,700 volunteer and career workers Friday. He went public with his concerns Tuesday.
According to Goldstein's email, inappropriate behavior has included:
- "Vulgar inappropriate sexual comments"
- "Comments and personal opinions regarding DACA"
- "Negative comments regarding diverse neighboring communities"
"I want everyone to know these circumstances, these behaviors that I've identified, I will not tolerate," Goldstein said.
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The workers targeted by alleged abuse have not made formal complaints. Goldstein said incidents are not isolated and have occurred in several fire houses and different individuals have been involved.
Low wage immigrant women in service jobs are uniquely vulnerable to abuse, according to employment experts. They are often contractors with few job protections who work alone or are isolated because of poor English. Very few formally report alleged abuse.
A 2017 study of women service workers in Chicago found more than 50 percent said they had been targets of abuse. Forty percent of female fast food workers also reported unwanted sexual contact or comments.
