Employer curses, screams and belittles - what's the law?
Is it against the law for an employer to curse, scream and belittle you in front of all your coworkers? I've been called names from scumbag to f**ing bitch and I would just like to know the laws on this.
Answers (1)
Foul language and name calling may be lawful.
In general, it is not illegal for an employer to direct foul language at employees, or to indulge in name calling.
However, if such conduct is directed at employees who are members of protected classifications, e.g. gender, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, it could be evidence of illegal discrimination in the form of what is called "hostile environment." In other words, it is the employer's motive that may or may not make the conduct illegal.
Fred Hait
Carlisle, PA
posted by Fred H. Hait | Feb 20, 2001 5:51 PM [EST]
In general, it is not illegal for an employer to direct foul language at employees, or to indulge in name calling.
However, if such conduct is directed at employees who are members of protected classifications, e.g. gender, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, it could be evidence of illegal discrimination in the form of what is called "hostile environment." In other words, it is the employer's motive that may or may not make the conduct illegal.
Fred Hait
Carlisle, PA
posted by Fred H. Hait | Feb 20, 2001 5:51 PM [EST]
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