Is This Harrassment?

[bookmap]

I live in Richmond, Va and need to know how to contact the Labor Board about harrasment in the workplace.

Is this harrassment? One lady was threatened, tormented by other employees, reported for every little thing until she finally resigned. Now they are doing it to another lady. The very same people are tormenting her, trying to get her to leave. They have been with the company so long that they pretty much run it. I don't think the partners know anything because they think these people are wonderful. I have been sent to the supervisor also for stupid things so I'm thinking I'll be next. My boss has screamed at me in front of other people and in his office for just the smallest thing. I can't find the labor laws, does this sound like harrassment to anyone?

[Pattymd]

It may be harrassment, but it is not illegal harrassment unless the actions are being taken due to the employee's race, religion, age, gender, etc. (protected characteristic). If the owners don't know about this, maybe someone should tell them.

[RN*]

I read your reply to BookMark and was wondering what suggestions or options she does have. This is happening with a lady in my office. They have gone as far as forbidding her to go into certain offices, down certain hallway areas and emailing certain staff. This is definitely interfering with her doing her job and making it very tense and yes hostile for all concerned. The small group of select staff are making her life difficult by picking her to pieces. She is moving slowly through the grievance process through a sort of tight knit "buddy" system administration so the whole thing is sort of a moot point. All the while these other staff are writing retalitory grievances and running to her supervisor with complaints everytime she sneezes in their direction. It seems that she should have some recourse to this type of bullying besides having to quit.Right now she basically comes to work, goes in her office, closes the door and tries to do all of her work by calling the various people on the phone when we are just two doors down. Unfortunately, she actually needs to come into our area for medical records, reports, etc. I really feel bad for her but it seems that the inevitable will be that they will force her to leave to protect her own sanity and that does not seem OK.

[RN*]

Originally Posted by RN*

I read your reply to BookMark and was wondering what suggestions or options she does have. This is happening with a lady in my office. They have gone as far as forbidding her to go into certain offices, down certain hallway areas and emailing certain staff. This is definitely interfering with her doing her job and making it very tense and yes hostile for all concerned. The small group of select staff are making her life difficult by picking her to pieces. She is moving slowly through the grievance process through a sort of tight knit "buddy" system administration so the whole thing is sort of a moot point. All the while these other staff are writing retalitory grievances and running to her supervisor with complaints everytime she sneezes in their direction. It seems that she should have some recourse to this type of bullying besides having to quit.Right now she basically comes to work, goes in her office, closes the door and tries to do all of her work by calling the various people on the phone when we are just two doors down. Unfortunately, she actually needs to come into our area for medical records, reports, etc. I really feel bad for her but it seems that the inevitable will be that they will force her to leave to protect her own sanity and that does not seem OK.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated and welcomed at this time. This is a new area for us and our HR department has not been helpful or confidential in assisting her with this matter.

[Pattymd]

Since no violation of law appears to have occurred here, all she can do is talk to the manager, Human Resources, owner, whoever is next in command. If the powers-that-be refuse to deal with the situation, then she may have no choice than to leave. However, I recommend she find another position first, sucking it up at the current place if necessary, before she resigns, as it is very unlikely she could get unemployment benefits if she quit just because the working environment is uncomfortable.