| Topic Name: |
What Would You Do? |
| Message Name: |
Get advice |
| Date Posted: |
12/21/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
I need advice.
Several of my coworkers are in abusive situations with their supervisors. I use the word abusive in part because I know no other way to describe it. Examples include: namecalling (stupid, dumbass, idiot), comments on their weight (if you lost weight you wouldn't have headaches all the time and you'd get some work done), sending them on personal errands (washing boss's car, picking up dry cleaning). In each circumstance, the supervisor is male and the employee is female, typically either with an associates degree, some college or a h.s. diploma. ALSO in each circumstance, the supervisor is either an attorney or a ph.d. To top off this situation, our executive director is aware of their behavior and ignores it OR blames the employees for staying in their jobs.
I am fortunate - kind of - in that although I disagree with my supervisor on occasion, and she is sometimes less than pleasant, I am not privy to this kind of treatment.
I cannot in good conscience, however, work for a boss who condones this kind of environment in the workplace, whether it happens to me or not. What can I do? |
| Message: |
Most companies have harassment policies precisely because subordinates are taken advantage of and then sue the company. If your company/university/organizationhas a harassment policy, read it and start talking to these other workers about ways to protect yourselves.
If possible, consult an employment/labor law attorney. If you don't have the money, see if there is a law clinic in your city or nearest law school; usually they will see people on a prorated or free basis. Or contact the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) over the internet for advice.
Investigating your rights can empower you. It doesn't mean you HAVE to sue; it just gives you all the options so you can make the best decision for yourself and maybe for your colleagues. Good Luck.
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