What should I do if I am being treated unfairly and talked down to at work?
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What should I do if I am being treated unfairly and talked down to at work?
I have been working at this job for just over 7 months. I have a new store manager and I have noticed that she doesn’t communicate with her employees and treats us unfairly. She has called us truck drivers 7 year olds, calls us names, says she doesn’t care what we have to say about anything we bring to her attention. She has been nothing but controlling and disrespectful. There is no reasoning with her and she is always on someone’s case about something but can’t take responsibility for herself. She has been late multiple times and I have lost hours because of that. If the store is not open because she didn’t show up or whatever reason then I can’t clock in when I am scheduled. She then turns around and either wants me to do stuff for her when I do finally get clocked on but I have my own truck schedule to follow or shes mad talking down to me or other employees because we’re not keeping up with the truck schedule when it wasn’t our fault to begin with. I love my job and it was great before. I don’t know if any of this is against the law but its not right and I’m looking for answers.
Asked on March 19, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, while unprofessional, this behavior is not legally actionable. Harsh and rude language and/or actions at work are not illegal. The only time hostile or harrassing behavior gives rise to a claim is if it constitutes some form of legal discrimnation. In other words, it must be based on an employee's nationality, religion, race, gender, age (over 40) disability or, in some states, sexual orientation. And such does not appear to be the case here. That having been said, if this treatment violates company ploicy or the terms of a union agreement or employment contract, then that would give rise to a claim. Otherswise, in an "at will" employment arrangement, a company can set the conditions of the workplace much as it sees fit. And this includes the actions that you have described.
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