If she has recordings of the boss saying what he was saying about unemployment, unemployment officials take a dim view of being played like that.
If the owners cover for such behavior, they are too stupid to stay in business.
HR is there to protect the company. Less than 1% of complaints make it to court and win. Most lawyers will give you a free consult to review the merits of a case. Document everything.
Also, unemployment works on pay. So if they keep her on the list but no hours she can still file.
Go to the local EEOC office.
Given the scope of what you are describing, and the fact that others are willing to talk, they will investigate. Any retaliation against employees for not providing sexual favors is sexual harassment according to the law. Any retaliation for cooperating with an investigation is also against the law.
Your friend may want to get an attorney separately.
“Oregon Law Center (OLC) provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals to assure fairness on matters related to critical needs like food, shelter, medical care, income and physical safety.”
He can’t “keep her on the payroll” and not pay her. You report those earnings to the state every quarter, if she has no earnings, she’s unemployed.
But I don’t know if you get that much money if/when you become unemployed from restaurant work.
I’d urge your friend to look for another job, she can’t be the savior of the world and neither can you.
If she really wants to pursue this you might call around and see if a lawyer would take the case on a contingency basis, that is they don’t get paid unless they win the client money.
If it’s really a big chain, with deep pockets, and she can prove she’s a bona fide “whistleblower” it might be worth a shot.
But really, she might be better off looking for another position. This person doesn’t sound like a nice guy, so if she can keep up with this current job I’m sure she could find someone better who would work with her re: her health issues.
Tell your friend and his/her harassed friends to quit. No one is holding a gun to their head.
Oregon ping