Racial Problem at Work?

Question

I work for a concrete construction company, there was none of my race there until I started working there. And I’m still the only one. I was working one day and one of the co-workers made a racial joke, the guy that was in charge of the crew was just laughing instead of telling the co-worker that it was inappropriate for business and it wasn’t acceptable. Only one of the worker told the guy that it wasn’t right for him to say that. I understand that they maybe had racial jokes of my race when I wasn’t working there. but when I started working there it should of stopped. There is no reason to make me feel comfortable. I don’t make them feel uncomfortable in anyway. So I would expect them to give me the same respect. It hard to go to someone to file a complaint and stuff. Because at this company it like me against all of them. Do anyone know what I mean? Sometimes I feel like not even to go back. But I have bills and stuff to take care of, so I have to stick it out until something else comes up. Someone told me that all company should have federal wages and discrimination laws somewhere posted in the building. Most Likely in the break room or at human resource. Is this statement true? Can this company be in trouble or even have a lawsuit against them?

Answer 1

you could file a grievance with the company but it could cause some resentment among your co-workers. Yes, by law they should have federal wage and discrimination laws somewhere in the workplace. You could contact the eeoc at eeoc.gov and submit a complaint.

Answer 2

Touchy one, indeed!

I would start out by asking the person who made the joke if you could speak to him in private. Once you have him alone, let him know that the joke was not appropriate to you and you were uncomfortable with it. His response should tell you the rest.

An immediate apology would be a normal response however, knowing how some construction guys are you could also expect a "I really didn't think it would bother you" response. That could also be considered an apology.

Either way, I think that's the best way to handle it, not knowing the total scope of what's going on sort of limits the answer.

And yes, worker rights must be displayed in an obvious place accessible to all employees.

My experience tells me outside and construction type workers sometimes test the new guy in odd ways. But for sure, they have a hidden respect for those that say it like it is. If you go to the boss on this one, you should have someone to back you up!

Answer 3

i dont think you should take the matters seriously. you're there to do your job and not be made fun of. ppl can be cruel sometimes but you cant run away from them. You have to maintain your image in front of them , and if anything, prove to them how ppl of your race and earnest when it comes to work. You dont have to worry about going to work. Ignorant ppl are everywhere around us and are utterly pathetic and shouldnt be taken seriously. GOTTA be confident about WHO you are and not WHAT you are. By staying where u were, u proved that words have no inherent power. words can do nothing unless one agrees with them at some level. If the racist had come out and assaulted ppl, he could have been prosecuted. If he had chased or trapped them, refusing to let them alone, that would have been harassment. this is a confrontation in which the racist backed down. It is a victory not only for minorities, but for all who refuse to let others define their place in the world or who disobey orders from presumptuous strangers. you can't file a complaint, you will only be blamed or not taken seriously. Do your work and thats that sweetie. Ppl like those have insecurity problems.

Answer 4

The jokes should not have been there even before you. The idea that it is you that causes them to stop is also a problem.
You could do a lawsuit but if i were you i would just document everything that happens (the day and what was said etc.) in case it escalates and you can use it later. in the meantime start standing up for yourself. your company can't protect you in the long run. just say something like:
"oh no, it is not ok for you to say that"
or
"i don't like hearing that and don't appreciate it"
or
"hey, can we please behave like professionals?"
or
talk to other people who have faced the same problems.
see what they did. honestly even though there are laws
to protect you from this it's hard to make them happen.
i would try the more direct approach to coworkers.

Answer 5

Absolutely. If you are being discriminated against due to your race, a lawsuit is a definite possibility, especially if you file a complaint within the company and no action is taken to rectify the situation.

Answer 6

Did you mention it to the guy that said it? Did you mention it to the boss? Since you are instantly thinking lawsuit I must deduce you are not white, after all most of the non whites I know have skin so thin it makes me laugh. Law Suits are why I split my company into 4 parts. This way I keep it under the federal limits and can hire whom I want and fire whom I want.

Answer 7

You can file a lawsuit against them because any form of discrimination (especially racial) is unaccetapble in the workplace! I'm wishing you the best of luck!!!!

Answer 8

yes its true they need to have them posted. a law suit? it would be hard to prove everything. if they garnashed your wages for poor work or you had the worst part of the job then you would have a lawsuit. dunno what to tell ya but come up with another racial joke against them and get along. its just a joke.

Answer 9

You should learn not to be so sensitive. These people aren't hurting you they are making a racially insensitive joke.

Try defining yourself as a person, instead of as a person of a specific color.

Answer 10

I'm so sorry to hear about that.......hopefully there was just one or two hateful loud mouths, and hopefully the majority of the people you work with are good, non-racist people.......they may have been very upset to hear inappropriate comments as well......