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verbal assault/threat at work

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med88

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Iowa

I am working on a project for the state of Iowa. There are nine contractors that make up the workforce. The other day, two members ("M" and "T") of another contractor were in my office - we were discussing a task I needed to do when a coworker ("J") from their "unit" stopped in. He proceeded to verbally assault the two (in front of me). "T" remained calm and explained they were in a meeting with me but "J" kept on. "M" (female) got up to leave, the guy blocked her exit and shifted his weight towards her - got right in her face and was speaking to her in a raised voice. "M" told him to get out of her way that she didn't have to take the "abuse" and she was going to talk to the director. "J" followed her. I don't know what happened after that other than the two ("M" and "T") reported the incident to their boss.

Later that day I was interviewed by the boss on what took place. During the interview my boss came in and told the guy our company didn't want to "get in the middle of this incident". That's the last I heard.

Nothing has happened to this guy - he has been allowed to stay on site. The state won't act and won't interview me b/c of what my boss said.

Here's the thing... the two people have quit fearing retaliation by their company and the guy. I am still here and everytime I see this guy I get nervous he will say/do something to me b/c I was a witness and spoke out against him. I can't quit - I have two kids to support.

Is there anything I can/should do? This guy has kicked chairs when people are in them, called another gal that had surgery a cripple, slammed things, etc etc etc. I am scared.

Mary
 


Beth3

Senior Member
Mary, obviously the best thing you can do is to stay out of his way whenever possible and if you have any incidents involving him, inform your boss immediately.

No laws require an employer to discipline an employee who is a world class jerk so there are no legal issues here. While it defies understanding why your employer won't do something about "J," they aren't obligated to.
 

med88

Junior Member
okay - there was physical contact and I heard the lady is going to file a report with the police.

My boss has instructed me to not say a word to anyone about this... even if it is an investigation.

What if I get called in to state what I witnessed? What if the police contact me? I don't want to get in trouble for blocking an investigation.
 

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