Hostile Work Environment

[BlueFish309]

I am a femaile Office Manager that is working with a computer consultant that has not been answering the questions I needed answered to provide an update to the COO. At one point I asked a question and he replied, "If I tell you I will have to kill you." This left me feeling very intimidated and I reported this threat to the COO and told him this verbal joke/abuse should not be tolerated and that I would like him to say something. Nothing happened & in a manner of a few days, this consultant made the same statement to me FIVE TIMES in one day (the last time in front of the COO). I get along well with other employees and have never had this problem before. I was asked to work this past Saturday, alone in the office with this consultant this past Saturday. THis person showed me his "Beanie Boobies" and candied boobs. Needless to say I felt VERY uncomfortable. I reported the incident to the COO on Monday and he stated that since I am in management I should understand that we need to tolerate this behavior until we get our computer problems fixed and then he will address the problem. This does not sit well with me as I work VERY hard for the company and I am very upset. I do not feel comfortable working when this person is present. SHould the company pay me for a Leave of Absence until this consultant is off of our premises or should I file suit for the company tolerating a hostile work environment?

 

[Attorney_Replogle]

I really can't advise you what you should do as that is really something that you should decide after advice with your own attorney. What I would say though is that the employer is not going to pay for a leave of absence. They would rather just terminate you than put up with that idea. If you want to probably lose your job and gain a bunch of enemies, go ahead and sue them. Does this mean you have no options? Absolutely not! I agree that you seem to be suffering in a hostile enviornment. You do not have to put up with that. Indeed it is an illegal enviornment. The reason given to you by the COO is not a legitiatme reason. What I suggest you do is to contact a labor lawyer near you and have him intercede for you. He can pressure the employer to change the situation or suffer the consequences. You can find one at attorneypages.com. OK?

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Mark B. Replogle

 

[BlueFish309]

Thank you for the advice. I found out today they made an offer to the consultant to bring him in full time. It is a internet start-up. I am supposed to be heading up the HR effort, and feel discouraged by the response I received from Sr. Management, especially since the office is primarily women. Thanks again.