The Disturbing Reality: Enduring Sexual Harassment, Groping, and Lack of Bathroom Access for Women Oilfield Workers

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Pervasive Sexual Harassment and Discrimination: Challenges Faced by Women in America's Oil Fields

A lawsuit set to go to trial in July against the world's largest provider of drilling services, SLB (formerly known as Schlumberger), will shed light on the plight of women working in the oil fields. Jessica Cheatham, an engineer who worked for SLB, is seeking over $1 million in damages, alleging that the company failed to protect her from pervasive sexual harassment and effectively ended her career when she complained. Other women who worked at SLB have provided sworn affidavits detailing further instances of abuse and discrimination in the male-dominated industry.

Michelle Underwood, a fluids engineer, claimed to have been groped by a male colleague, while Eugenia Galan reported instances of attempted entry into her company apartment at night. Field engineer Gianna Credaroli stated that she was denied access to a restroom and had to change her feminine hygiene product in an exposed location. These troubling accounts highlight the need for improved working conditions for women in the oil industry.

While sexual discrimination in the sector is not uncommon, most companies facing such lawsuits opt for settlements rather than going to trial. SLB has already reached a financial settlement with another former employee, Sara Saidman, who initiated the lawsuit joined by Cheatham. The outcome of this case has the potential to be a landmark event, shedding light on the treatment of women in an industry that has struggled to attract and retain female talent.

Cheatham's experience further reveals allegations of a lack of proper investigation into her complaints, career hindrance, and even demotion. The issues raised in this case reflect ongoing challenges faced by women in the oil and gas industry and may hinder SLB's goal of achieving a 30% female workforce by 2030. The industry, known for its hostility toward women, continues to impede progress in terms of representation and opportunities.

Seeking Justice: The Lawsuit Against SLB Exposes a Pattern of Abuse and Discrimination Faced by Women in the Oil Fields


The lawsuit against SLB, set to go to trial in July, is an opportunity for the public to gain insight into the challenges faced by women working in America's oil fields. Jessica Cheatham, a former engineer at SLB, is seeking significant damages due to her allegations of pervasive sexual harassment and the detrimental impact it had on her career. Sworn affidavits from other women who worked at SLB further support claims of abuse and discrimination in an industry dominated by men.

These accounts include shocking incidents, such as Michelle Underwood being groped by a male colleague, Eugenia Galan experiencing attempted entry into her company apartment at night, and Gianna Credaroli being denied access to a restroom and forced to change her feminine hygiene product in an exposed location. The stories highlight the urgent need for improved working conditions and safety measures for women in the oil industry.

While cases of sexual discrimination in the male-dominated oil sector are not uncommon, companies facing lawsuits often choose to settle rather than go to trial. SLB has already reached a financial settlement with another former employee, Sara Saidman, who initiated the lawsuit that Cheatham later joined. However, the outcome of this case has the potential to be a landmark event, shining a spotlight on the treatment

Summing it up


of women in the oil and gas industry. It brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by women in terms of sexual harassment, inadequate investigation of complaints, career hindrance, and lack of representation and opportunities.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have a significant impact on SLB's goal of achieving a 30% female workforce by 2030. The industry's reputation for hostility towards women and the documented accounts of abuse and discrimination impede progress in creating a more inclusive work environment.

It is crucial for companies in the oil and gas industry to take a proactive stance in addressing sexual harassment and discrimination, providing a safe and supportive workplace for all employees. Improved policies, training programs, and swift and thorough investigations of complaints are necessary steps towards fostering a culture of respect and equality.

The lawsuit against SLB serves as a reminder of the importance of creating an industry that values and empowers women. It highlights the need for greater accountability and systemic changes to ensure that women working in America's oil fields are treated with dignity and have equal opportunities to thrive in their careers. Only through concerted efforts can the oil and gas industry overcome its history of discrimination and move towards a more equitable future.