Is it legal for an employer to allow an HR manager to confront an employee and harass them?
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Is it legal for an employer to allow an HR manager to confront an employee and harass them?
I was confronted by a HR manager in her office and she called me useless, unreliable, and said that I should resign or she will make sure I get fired within 2 weeks. Could I get the employer for harassment or anything? It doesn’t seem right for a manager to speak this way.
Asked on February 20, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Connecticut
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As a general matter, there is no law preventing an employer (or management or HR) from insulting or harassing on employee, or threatening to fire him or her. It is unprofessional and unfair, but not generally illegal.
The exception is that you may not be harassed due to a protected characteristic, such as, for example, your race, sex, religion, age over 40, or disability. If you believe the harassment was because of one of those factors, then you may have an employment harassment/discrimination claim and should consult with an employment attorney to explore your rights and options.
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