I work in a fairly well known chain salon. It was recently brought to managements attention that one of our stylists was unlicensed. This stylist was given the a time frame to either obtain the license or a permit or be released from duty.
Since then, the stylist in question and one of her friends that work at the same salon, have been less than cordial to me. This incident came up in conversation with other coworkers who had expressed the same concern, but somehow it got back to the said stylist that I and only I perpatrated the whole situation. Since then, I have worked with that particular stylist and her supporter friend, and it has been less than civil. Working in a salon you have to interact with all of the stylists employed there, whether you want to or not. I get rude, abrupt answers that even the clients notice. I often have to make excuses for thier attitudes towards me. I DREAD working my shifts with the both of them.Does this constitute a hostile environment?
2007-01-09 13:49:19 · 6 answers · asked by ktterdfurguson 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It does. Lets begin with the issue of her being unlicensed. This could be a criminal matter depending on your states cosmetology laws. Practicing with out a license could be a misdemeanor. As far as the hostile environment, I would inform the owner, as well as any management in control by writing a letter. Keep all copies of letters you send as well as any responses. Start a log on what was said, by who, including times and dates from management as well as the co-workers. Start building a civil case against them and start looking for another job. Once you have enough documentation, give the owner an ultimatum. Either they go or I go. If you are forced out of a job, file the claim. I recommend contacting an Attorney in your state prior to taking any action.
2007-01-09 14:03:58 · answer #1 · answered by bwetzel76 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not agree with any of the answers so far. This behavior does not constitute a hostile environment. "Hostile environment" generally exists in the gender/sexual harassment context in the workplace. What you are describing is just a situation where people do not get along and it happens to be uncomfortable. The management should speak to everyone about getting along and make sure everyone abides by it. I do not understand how management can allow the unlicensed stylist to continue to work for one second without a license. Are you sure he/she is unlicensed or are you just speculating? If management were treating you badly because the management thought you were going to turn them in for having an unlicensed stylist, then that would be retaliation and would be protected under the whistleblower statutes. But you are saying the other workers are treating you badly, so this does not fall within that category. Talk to the managers and see if they can help diffuse the situation and make sure they know how difficult it is to work in this environment. Maybe they can even have you scheduled for alternate days or shifts for a while.
2007-01-09 22:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by Andy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The law regarding this is vague. What you are describing falls under sexual harassment even though it is not sexual in nature. Unless that behavior is quite obviously inappropriate, you first have a responsibility to inform the person who is harassing you that you consider such treatment harassment. If you are uncomfortable doing so, then you can tell your supervisor or employer. Then you can tell the offending person with the supervisor as a witness. Again, if this is uncomfortable you can request that the supervisor talk with the offending person in your absence.
After all the offending person is informed, then you can expect the situation to be resolved. If it is not resolved, then you have the responsibility of telling your supervisor or employer. It helps to have a witness or two. After that, the employer must, by law, take action. Sexual harassment is a crime; it does not have to be sexual in nature.
2007-01-09 22:20:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jack 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hostile environment in work means that other employees are dangerous to others due to antagonism or restrained relations. This can be a valid request for transfer but if the situation could be remedied, so much the better.
2007-01-09 21:56:22 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the EEOC and you can file a complaint regarding this situation, which they will then investigate. However, you might also want to find a compentent lawyer well versed in handing these types of cases as these cases are tough cases to win.
2007-01-09 22:25:30 · answer #5 · answered by attyvette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any environment, including workplace, is a place you are entitled to feel comfortable and not feel uneasy.
you have a right to let your supervisor know what is happening, not only for you but if customers are noticing for the company.
a hostile environment is individually assessed, that is your in charge of what you feel. take a moment to consider.
2007-01-09 22:03:41 · answer #6 · answered by waz_i_here_or_was_i_not? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋