Is a hostile-work-environment lawsuit viable in my case?

Question

I worked full-time at a liquor store for four years, I quit in August because I found a job with medical and IRA benefits. My jobs included cashiering, stocking shelves, checking in the inventory, updating the website, writing the monthly newsletter and filling pack and shipping any orders we received. Just before I left, a department manager told me this exchange he had with the general manager:
DM: Why haven't you ever promoted Rachel to manager? She's been here a long time and does a good job.
GM: She can't even manage herself.
Granted, I was a mess while my husband and I were getting seperated, but although I was in therapy and on Zoloft, I went to work everyday and did my job.
Now it turns out that while I got a $300 bonus at Christmas the last two years, a coworker of mine (male, part-time) received $1000.
Should I do something besides gripe about this?

Answer 1

By your own admission, you were a mess. You did not claim to be capable of being the manager and you voluntarily moved on to another job. And there may have been others there that were equally or better qualified than you. As for the Christmas bonus, those are entirely discretionary. There could be any number of reasons for the disparity. Based on the facts as you have presented them, I do not see any basis for any legal claims. Just be thankful that you won't work there anymore.

Answer 2

That's pretty grey.
While it does look bad that you male co-worker received $700 more and was only part-time......it may be hard to prove it wasn't because he was a better employee. Unless you can get the DM collaborate......

Really what would you gain? You could end up wasting a lot of time and money.

If you're serious about it though...and feel something should be done....then I suggest a free consult with an attorney.

Answer 3

I wouldn't. I would let the GM know that I was a new person, and expect more consideration.

There's no harm to thank him in a nice way by saying something along these lines. When the time is right).

"You know Jack, I owe you some special thanks. When I came here, I was a wreck. I was going through a rough time, and couldn't tie my shoes. Thanks for giving me the opportunity and vote of confidence. I feel I'm ready for more responsibility now.

Serves two purposes, flatters his butt, and tells him you want more.

Good luck

Answer 4

yes, but only if your over 40, that is a protected platform. but your employer can always say it was for bad performance UNLESS YOU ASKED AND GOT, A COPY OF YOUR PERFORMANCE RECORD. Remember, copy of performance record.