Can my supervisor tell my co-workers that she took discipinary action on me without my permission?

I had missed a few weeks of work due to exposure (fumes)to floor stripping chemicals being used
in my office during regular work hours. I filed a workman's comp claim with a physician's letter stating the inhaling of toxins where the reason for my illness (toxins were released through my skin causing sores which have left scarring & overall sickness). In addition, I was treated with steroids which caused flu-like systems & caused me to be off work another week. I was denied my worker comp claim & at the time continued to be too sick mentally/physically to pursue. I returned to work & was reprimanded for time off (I had sick leave to cover time off). My supervisor later bragged to me that she had shared the details of my disciplinary action with my co-workers in an attempt to impress the point that you can supervise a person & still have a friendship with that person. I am a excellent employee & did not hold anything against my employer for their lack of support in this situtation but I hurt & humiliated by this confession. What are my rights? Thank you for any information you can give me as I know she continues to do the same to other employees.

1 answer  |  asked Mar 13, 2011 4:19 PM [EST]  |  applies to Ohio

Answers (1)

Bruce Elfvin
An employer has a qualified privilege for communications, even if ultimately untrue, if they are the type of things that normally are part of the expected workplace communications. The employer, here your supervisor, communicated to persons who either needed or did not need to know the information. If your answer if that they did not need to know, then you should meet with an employment lawyer to discuss this situation.

You can find an employment lawyer near you at: www.oelasmart.net/directory

posted by Bruce Elfvin  |  Mar 14, 2011 07:12 AM [EST]

Answer This Question

Sign In to Answer this Question

Related Questions with Answers

Have an Employment Law question?