I am not really sure what constitutes an hostile work environment in Washington State, so I will explain what is going on at my work place. We are a small Corporation and work in an office. Both the president and vice-president are present and give work assignments. I have been instructed to only ask questions regarding work to the president. The vice-president looks for mistakes that the employee makes and instead of talking it over, yells. There have been many instances where a repremand has been in front of all employee at an elevated tone of voice, leading the reprimanded employee in tears. This goes on on a regular basis and is usually followed by a threat to be replaced. The jobs are demanding with an unreasonable work load. All employees work nervously in fear of losing their jobs. This situation as been reported to the president of the company. The president response with telling us that is the way he is and he is not going to change. I might add that the president and vice-president are a couple. This is a 2 1/2 year old company that usually employs 12 or less people at a time. In the years of business, this company has hired over 90 people.

I would like to know if this constitutes an hostile environment and if so, are there any recourses that can be taken to protect the employees that are there and help the ones that have lost their job due to quitting under the pressure and mistreatment.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

No, this is not a hostile work environment. An HWE means that the employee or employees are being subjected to either sexual harassment or illegal discrimination under Title VII and related laws. It has nothing to do with the atmosphere in the workplace being unpleasant due to employers being jerks. It is not illegal to be a jerk.

Thank you for your response. This really has been uncomfortable and I am looking for a way to help some of the people who have either been fired or quit due to this type of treatment.

I was fired today after taking a medical leave for surgery. I have to believe there are companies out there that treat people as human beings.

Tell me more.

How long have you worked for this employer?
How many employees do they have within a 75 mile radius of your location?
Did you, in the last 12 months immediately preceding your surgery, work a minimum of 1,250 hours?
How much time did you miss? This includes any absences for pre-surgical workups, absences due to illness related to the surgery, essentially any absences at all.

I started with this company in May of 2005 and worked full time until December 2005, in which time I was put on part-time, 3 days a week. I think it would probably work to under 1250 hours, but am unsure. This company employees about 15 people at a time. I will also like to note that this company as only been in business for under 3 years and has hired over 80 employees that are no longer with the company.

I did not miss anytime prior to my surgery since I did all my pre-op and theraphy on my days off or after work. I am still on medical leave right now. It has been 3 weeks since my back surgery and my doctor was expected to release me for part-time work next week for two weeks then back to normal duty.

I thought I had something for you, but it didn't pan out. Unfortunately, your first sentence says it all. Since you had worked for this employer for less than 12 months, you were not eligible for any Federally mandated leave time, and while your state does have some state-mandated leave it does not apply in your situation. Therefore, it was legal for them to fire you for missing time due to surgery.

It sounds like you have a very poorly run management there, but nothing you have posted provides you with any legal recourse.