How much verbal abuse from your boss is legal in the United States?

Question

I work as an engineer, I’m wondering how much verbal abuse, professional disrespect, and belittlement is legal in the United States?

I am a hard worker with a great work ethic, and work well with everyone. I work an average of 9 hrs a day, sometimes much more, and have always tried to please my manager but with little success. He is a former co-worker/peer with no people skills, recently promoted as manager for my discipline via his experience within the last year.

He micromanages my every move, treats me like a slacker, is a fault finder, and belittles me nearly, but not every, day. When he does this I always remain calm, professional, and maintain my composure, even when he yells at the top of his lungs at me. I always swallow my pride, because I love my work and have respect for my paycheck.

He will not ever let me explain my side of things. He is the type that seeks to be understood before he seeks to understand.

Anybody know what I can do without quitting?

Answer 1

The law is that a employer has to maintain an enviorment that all employee feel safe. A boss cannot threaten or put you in an uncomfortable position. The yelling at you is a threat. If there is someone above him you need to talk to them or go to your State Labor Board. If I remember right this is a Federal Law.

Answer 2

You actually don't have to take any abuse from your boss or coworkers. Most companies have a chain of command and that's where you would start. First report the abuse to his boss and if that doesn't work then go on up the chain his bosses boss and so on. If all else fails you get a Lawyer and file a civil law suit against the company and you boss. This will make the company rethink this issue. If your boss was to fire you for going to his boss this would be retaliation and that is also against the law and most companies policy and procedures. Also most companies give you a work ethics 1-800 number to call and report stuff like this in confidence. So really you need to research your companies policies and procedures to see what steps to take.

Answer 3

I really wish i had some advice for you.
I was in almost that exact situation for 3 years. During that time my company went through 4 HR directors who were all very supportive. They set up meetings for me with the administrator (who was also supportive) and i registered many complaints against my supervisor.
I finally left 4 months ago when i went on maternity leave and when it was time to go back my husband begged me not to. He was afraid that the stress of working under such conditions would be even harder with a new baby.
Since then, the woman who was hired to cover my leave quit, even though she was offered the position permanently, and so did the person that replaced HER.
They had both also registered complaints against this supervisor but nothing was ever done.

I wish i had an answer for you but i don't even know why MY supervisor was never terminated. I know for a fact that she was reprimanded on several occasions because of our complaints as well as other issues, so it boggles the mind!

ALL THE BEST TO YOU!
I hope things work out and don't let him beat you!
Again, i wish i could offer some advice, but i really just don't know how it is that my supervisor has managed to keep her job.

Good luck and God bless!

Answer 4

Anything over 6 ounces of abuse is against the law in the US.

Answer 5

Have you tried bringing this matter to HIS boss's attention?