Ok, I know this doesn't fall under this category, but you guys always have great advice.
My boss has been making comments that are in relation to my weight. One of the comments was to a coworker while I was on vacation. He asked where the Dove chocolates that someone brought us were. He then proceeded to say that I must have eaten them all. Then today, he told me that my coworkers said that I took all the leftovers from one of our lunches. It was a lie, and he knew it. He knew that 3 of the 6 employees divided the food amongst themselves. I did take some, but I took the least amount.
I plan to start writing these incidences down, because there has been more. Do you think that I have a leagal case? I have never even thought about suing someone in my life, but it is getting to the point where it is truly effecting me and my job. I am the only overweight person in the office, so he is now pushing my buttons by making comments like the ones I mentioned. Please Help!!
2006-11-21 16:33:50 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
The person harassing me is the owner of the business. He is the Boss Man, nobody higher that I can go to. I am hoping to find a new job in the New Year.
2006-11-21 16:45:41 · update #1
TELL HIM TO GO GET F@CKED
tell him if he has a problem fire you or shut up,he sounds very imature.
or ***** slap the bastard in a dark corridor ...just a thought
2006-11-21 16:39:16 · answer #1 · answered by Bearable 5 · 12⤊ 3⤋
I agree with you completely. He's over the top and way out of line. I would consult an attorney as to the validity of a lawsuit before I'd put any energy into acquiring evidence that you may not even be allowed to use anyway.
Do what makes you feel good about yourself. I'm not telling you to run away and hide but if the environment is that negative perhaps you should start looking for another job.
I understand how difficult it is to be discriminated against. People automatically assume I'm in a cult strictly because it's not straight up Christianity. And then there are those who profess to be Pagans who find me insulting. I happen to know a few Pagans, none of whom are in my spiritual order but the ones I know are respectful of other people's beliefs. We practice tolerance of all people and all life in this universe.
You are a divine, unique being who has the right to be accepted, to fell safe and to be treated with dignity and respect just the way you are. You don't have to do anything to have earned that right. You were born with it.
I'll think of you at morning vespers and send you thoughts of healing energy and support. Stand up for yourself! If you need a cheerleader msg me anytime. I'll be glad to keep reminding you of how special you are and how unfairly you are being treated!
Dhara
2006-11-21 16:43:22 · answer #2 · answered by Dhara 6 · 17⤊ 0⤋
How big is the business? If it is a small business, it might not be covered by a lot of federal requirements.
It is unlikely that you have a legal case. Employers are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of things like race, gender, and religion. But they CAN discriminate based on weight. The best you could do is if your weight was considerred a disability. And again, your employer would have to have a certain number of employees to be covered by the federal laws.
If you had to quit, you might be able to get unemployment benefits. It is called "constructive discharge" if you quit because the work conditions are so bad you have no other option. The law looks at it as if your employer fired you. But if you don't have a federal or local law protecting you from firing because of your weight (which you probably don't) then the unemployment benefits probably wouldn't work out for you either.
2006-11-21 17:00:21 · answer #3 · answered by stevejensen 4 · 10⤊ 3⤋
To say the least this person is rude and crude. A lot depends on the size of your company. If it is very small you may not have much rights but in most companies that have a HR person also have an Employee Handbook. I would be surprised if there was not some mention about making a person uncomfortable in the work place.
2006-11-21 17:02:54 · answer #4 · answered by chris B 3 · 9⤊ 3⤋
I am no expert, but...........Yes, you have a case. Making fun of people or ridiculing them is another way of harassment. Just because he is the boss doesn't he owns you or can do anything he pleases. You should consult with friend or any other human resources company. If there is anything in writing(emails, etc) that pretty much states what they do to you or even record. YES YOU HAVE A CASE AND YOU SHOULD SUE THE BASTARD. Ask a question in Human Resources-Yahoo Answers. Hope you stand up for yourself.
2006-11-22 07:00:07 · answer #5 · answered by kahloguy 2 · 9⤊ 3⤋
I went thru that when I was younger and miserable in the late 90's, unfortunatly mean people can change a person. Now Im so defensive and harsh to people who dares even say anything to me, because of that, people at work avoid me especially the guys. Its a gradual thing, you are not happy just grab yr last check, at cuss the way out the door. Stupid small minded bitches. It might sound cheesy but you are strong-minded and you need to show it, people sense yr weakness thats why you get picked on. Yr confidence with will eventually show; dont let us down tiger. Oh yeah, I love teddy bears.
2006-11-21 17:03:31 · answer #6 · answered by zuegma1977 4 · 10⤊ 3⤋
Document each and every instance of his comments and go to the Human Resources Department or your boss's supervisors with the documentation. You really don't have a legal case unless they refuse to do anything about it. If it continues after you have told HR or your boss's boss, then you have some grounds for legal action and should consult an attorney.
2006-11-21 16:54:37 · answer #7 · answered by χριστοφορος ▽ 7 · 10⤊ 3⤋
It's always better to resolve these things amicably and through communication. Set a 1 on 1 meeting with him and tell him that you felt offended by certain comments that he has recently made, and if he could be more watchful, you would appreciate it.
Usually, no one likes to intentionally offend people, and people say and do things subconciously, and bringing it up will help him be more careful about it.
I see no reason for a law suit. Usually, if someone passes a sexual comment or something, you usually go to your HR and talk about it, and say what they have to say; But, this seems like something you should be able to handle yourself, with minimal hassle, and with the necessary results.
2006-11-22 16:55:58 · answer #8 · answered by Kaizer Soze 2 · 9⤊ 3⤋
Does he have a boss you can go to? Can't you confront him directly? A lawsuit is not only expensive, but will cause you more grief than it might be worth. You will be subjected to ridicule and alienate your co-workers. People will be afraid to talk in front of you, fearful that you might take something personal. Be careful when picking a fight. You don't want to lose. Try the safest approach first. If that doesn't work, then consider employment elsewhere.
2006-11-21 16:39:21 · answer #9 · answered by Emm 6 · 8⤊ 4⤋
Keep a log of specific incidents. Tell him that is bothers you and the harrassment creates a hostile workplace. Tell him (don't ask him) that he must stop the remarks. Put it in writing and let him know it is a formal complaint. If he fails to stop the remarkes, or gives you any problems, get a lawyer.
Best Wishes,
Sue
2006-11-21 17:57:20 · answer #10 · answered by newbiegranny 5 · 9⤊ 3⤋
Unless you speak up and tell your boss how you feel about all the remarks being made by him and the others, don't complain. However, if you step up to the plate and speak your piece, and the remarks continue to flow your way, then you have a case that can be made. It's called a hostile work environment.
2006-11-21 17:09:50 · answer #11 · answered by gablueliner 3 · 10⤊ 3⤋