I just started this job a few weeks ago and am very good at what I do. (Sheet metal fabrication) When asking my supervisor a question about a job, he basically went ballistic, getting in my face and telling me over and over that he is going to beat my ***, with multiple witnesses present (at one point, the Human Resources lady even witnessed this in her office). In my opinion, he cracked under production pressure because he has only been a boss for about a month total from what I understand. Regardless, I have a feeling the company is not interested in addressing the issue any further. I, however, am interested. Thanks in advance for your input.
2007-09-04 09:48:45 · 8 answers · asked by Studrock 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
Thank you for your responses. The next day, I went in to work to discuss it and received notice that they are terminating me. I had an attorney call the company and now they are flat out denying anything happened at all.
I have already been hired to another job that is much more fitting for me anyhow, I am just going to move on. Thanks again everyone.
2007-09-08 07:45:59 · update #1
There is, sadly, no law against abusive bosses. So far as I can tell, he did not make good on his treats to cause you harm, nor did he discriminate against you, sexually harass you, or physicall assault you in any way.
Legally, bosses are permitted to behave like screaming, ranting maniacs. They can curse, threaten, throw things (as long as they don't hit anyone), belittle, make personally insulting remarks, and so on.
What they cannot do is single out one employee for especially good or bad treatment based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and so on. They also cannot attempt to coerce an employee into an intimate relationship by means of promising or withholding items such as good or bad appraisals, pay increases/decreases, promotions/demotions, and so on.
This boss is guilty of appallingly poor management, but not of anything illegal - at least, not yet.
2007-09-04 10:49:05 · answer #1 · answered by Mel 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hello. I am sorry that you are having trouble so early in your role. Firstly I would ask if there is a dignity at work policy and look to see what recourse you have. I would talk to the Manager in the first instance, if they do not respond appropriately e.g. apologise and discuss boundaries and behaviours, I would then write a grievance stating the facts and when they happened and state what you would like to happen. Eg move teams, Mgr changes behaviours etc. I would always try the discussion approach first. Then go for the grievance then at least it is in writing and your HR Department will need to act upon it. When asking for the procedure this might prompt them to even ask what is happening as it should alert them that you are new in post and asking in the first place. Regards Lisa
2007-09-06 07:04:25 · answer #2 · answered by soupdragoncottage 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all talk to the Human Resources lady first. If she refuses to do anything about it go to your local police station but try and convince some of the witness to go with you. If it comes down to it you may want to start looking for another job and then turn in your two week notice once you have one
2007-09-04 10:03:18 · answer #3 · answered by fresh_horses_7 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to have witnesses, but he's threatening you. You can probably sue the company. But don't let anyone know you are bothered, and take an mp3 player or something small in your pocked around, until he does it again, and hit record, then sue the hell out of them. You have witness, so get it recorded. If not, and the witnesses are willing to testify, bring about a lawsuit if you can. I would suggest contacting a lawyer to see what you can do.
2007-09-04 09:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legally , the attorney will cost you 10 X what you could ever collect , if you won .
You have to prove damages (injury) and the claim is based on that .
Since you have no injuries yet , the attorney will require you to pay upfront because he knows any settlement would be minuscule .
Go back to HR and ask them if they have a solution .
Allowing workplace hostility / possible violence is a huge liability for them .
Possibly they would put him in anger management or if the company is large enough , transfer you to another station .
You as the lower ranking employee would be the one to be transferred it that option came up .
Good Luck !
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2007-09-04 09:59:45 · answer #5 · answered by kate 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have a great case, because you have witnesses.
Don't be shy. Go to see a lawyer specializing in workplace harassment.
It would be a better case if you got sick. Afraid to go back to work.Need to see a psychiatrist. Can't stop crying
The lawyer will not charge you for the consultation. He will tell
you how strong(or weak) your case is. The lawyer, if he takes the case, will sue the employer and the individual who threatened you.
The lawyer will not charge you for his services. Instead, he will take his fee(usually 33%) when the case is settled.
2007-09-04 10:08:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do, dont lose YOUR cool. Keep reporting him to the HR and keep a diary of these outbursts and your reports of them to HR. This is what is called working in a "hostile environment". You should not have to put up with it. I am not saying they wont fire you for some other reason, but with documentation, if they fire you, you will have reason to collect unemployment.
2007-09-04 09:55:41 · answer #7 · answered by hirebookkeeper 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you wish to pursue it as a lawsuit, try verbal assault, you DO have a witness ;]. but if you do not wish to pursue it, and my own personal advise here, let him be. He's trying to get into the daily grind and he's under a lot of stress.
2007-09-04 09:57:17 · answer #8 · answered by Azure V 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋