The Waterline

Page 1

The Waterline

January 26, 2012

Vol. XXIX No. 4

www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw

www.facebook.com/NavDistWash

waterline@dcmilitary.com

NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Don't cross the line By Aaron J. Heiner, NDW Public Affairs

Co-workers often engage in casual conversations; however, there could be times where a normal conversation becomes uncomfortable. In those cases when casual conversation crosses the line from polite interactions to something inappropriate, there are certain procedures that need to be followed. "Casual conversations are a normal part of the working environment, but when it becomes inappropriate and affects the work environment, it needs to stop," said Chandra Vickers, Deputy Equal Employment Officer (EEO) for Naval District Washington (NDW). Vickers says that when conversations or interaction cross the line into sexual harassment there are procedures to be followed. "Employees who are being sexually harassed should inform their immediate supervisor of the situation. If they are being harassed by a supervisor, they should tell their manager immediately." According to the EEO office, on average, the federal government spends $6.7 million per year in sexual harassment related costs including legal costs, absenteeism, decreased productivity and high turnover.

"People need to be aware that inappropriate behavior can not only affect a person's ability to work, but it can also impact a department's ability to function overall,"Vickers said. The term sexual harassment encompasses many different forms of harassment including: sexual favoritism, sex-based harassment, and third party harassment where a person not involved in the situation may take offense, Vickers stated. "A lot of people believe sexual harassment is sexual in nature only. Sexual harassment can involve harassing individuals who are simply of the opposite gender, or may share a different gender identity," she added. "Regardless of the type of harassment, everyone is entitled to an environment free of sexual harassment in the workplace." If there is a incident involving sexual harassment, there are several steps that should be taken to resolve the issue. The first is to speak directly to the harasser and let that person know the attention is unwanted. If the harassment persists, the problem should be reU.S. Navy photo by Aaron J. Heiner ported to a supervisor or an equal employ- Tim Stoessel and Alba Gonzalez of Naval District Washington having a typiment specialist if management is unable to re- cal discussion between coworkers. Interactions between co-workers solve the issue. should always be cordial and professional. If the behavior of your col-

league, superior or subordinate makes you uncomfortable, address the isSee Line, Page 8 sue with them. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, report it immediately to the chain of command.

Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, Naval District your home away from home Washington does it again! Aaron J. Heiner, NDW Public Affairs The chief of naval operations recognized two Naval District Washington (NDW) commands for their outstanding community service projects with the announcements of the 2011 Navy Community Service Awards. Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River won the Environmental Flagship and the Project Good Neighbor Awards under the large shore installation category. NAS

By Aaron J. Heiner, NDW Public Affairs

Whether you're a civilian employee on the road, a service member on leave, or a traveling retiree, before dropping your hard earned cash down on the check-in counter at an expensive hotel try the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites. Navy Gateway Inns and Suites provides service members and their families with short term lodging, equivalent to a mid-level commercial hotel at nearly half the cost. Formerly known as Visiting Quarters (VQ), or “The Q,� Navy Gateway Inns and Suites aims to redefine the military's customer experience. "I would recommend Navy Gateway Inns and Suites to anyone who is traveling. It is

See Awards, Page 5

See NGIS, Page 8

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Wagner

Patti McGee with the Navy Gateway Inns & Suites housekeeping staff at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren finishes preparing a room for its next guest.

Inside Link directly to the NDW Facebook page on your smart phone

Around the Yard, Page 2

AFPAK Hands, Page 5


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