My Boss is untouchable?

I am one of two managers that work under the GM of a restaurant. My GM is crossing the line many times. Workers used to tell me that he was verbally abusive, perverted and vindictive. I didn't see it or realize it till recently. I have witnessed many things that I think are unlawful or against our company's policies. He justifies these things by saying, "My name tag say General Manager". He makes me fire good employees for no reason. Just because he doesn't like them. He tells me to "Find a reason" He has told me to write up a girl for any little thing so after 3 write ups she can be terminated and not collect unemployment. His reason for wanting her gone was that she was an unattractive black girl. He used to pick on this girl for anything just to get her in a bad mood so she can slip up or maybe quit. He has done this to many of my employees. He will zone in on one person and just pick and pick and pick until that person quits or just doesn't care anymore and stops putting in an effort at work. He is over 35 years of age. I mostly have 16 year old girls working for me. They have to be attractive or he will not let me hire them. So for the past few months all applicants need to have a second interview with him. He tells me very nasty things about them. For example rubbing his 'special white cream' on one of the girls who was sunburned. He puts his arm around them and plays with their hair. He calls them pet names. They have said to one of my supervisors it makes them uncomfortable but never officially complained. I am reluctant to report this to his boss because he goes on and on about how good friends he is with the company's vice president. They go on fishing trips, take trips together to the owner's summer home and go out to bars together. He tells all of us managers and our supervisors how he can have us all replaced if we are not part of his team. I have a family to support so I cannot afford to lose my job. Someone made a complaint against him via the company's feedback section of our website. He told me flat out that if he finds out who did it they would be fired. He really intimidates all of us. Even though intimidation to employees or customers is automatic termination according to our policies. I asked one of the employees why no one has complained before and his answer was that he puts fear in everyone. I can understand that. I am afraid that he is going to get me in trouble if he zones in on the wrong person and I feel bad for my employees that have to take his verbal abuse. I have a recording of him saying how we can take advantage of our spanish employees and they won't complain because they are illegal. Is their anything I can do, legally?

2 answers  |  asked Aug 20, 2009 9:08 PM [EST]  |  applies to Texas

Answers (2)

Martin A. Shellist
If you lodge a valid complaint, you will be protected under the federal and state retaliation laws. You have to be willing to "rock the boat" and risk that the Company will not play favorites. If you are retaliated against, you would have a claim against the Company. There are many details, so call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your potential claims. You can check www.nela.org or Google the Texas Employment Lawyers Association, or Google the EEOC in your area. Good luck.

posted by Martin A. Shellist  |  Dec 16, 2009 9:19 PM [EST]
Martin A. Shellist
If you lodge a valid complaint, you will be protected under the federal and state retaliation laws. You have to be willing to "rock the boat" and risk that the Company will not play favorites. If you are retaliated against, you would have a claim against the Company. There are many details, so call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your potential claims. You can check www.nela.org or Google the Texas Employment Lawyers Association, or Google the EEOC in your area. Good luck.

posted by Martin A. Shellist  |  Dec 16, 2009 9:19 PM [EST]

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