Can an employer discipline an employee on an issue that was brought to their attention?
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Can an employer discipline an employee on an issue that was brought to their attention?
I had a co-worker sending mail and messages to my wife telling her lies about me. I brought this to HR’s attention a couple of weeks ago and was told to keep the letters and save the messages. Last week she was talking about how she was going to ruin my career, I said to her that it has to stop or my wife and I would be pressing harassment charges. She went to HR and told them I threatened her and I got 3 days off no pay. She still works there with no discipline to her. Is this legal?
Asked on December 5, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Ohio
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Do you have any protection againt this type of suspension under the terms of an employment contract, union agreemnt, etc.? Does it constitute some form of legally actionable discrimination? If not, then this action is legal. The fact is that in an "at will" employment relationship, a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit. This includes who to place on suspension, why, and for how long.
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