If you worked for a company that "allowed" ostracism , bullies, racism, sexual discrimination would you consider a lawsuit?

Anonymous

November 8,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

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If you worked for a company that "allowed" ostracism , bullies, racism, sexual discrimination would you consider a lawsuit? The sexual is not physical but comments and jokes about women, telling customers " you know what its like working with women" Racism is not directed toward me but comments are made. And the ostracism is created because I had to do anothers job after they got so far behind and they have been angry ever since. Creating a pack with others who put meme's on the bulletin board and I know its directed towards me. I have alot of years invested in the company, just tired.

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AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 2:34PM UTC
Have you spoken with you manager and/or HR about this? I would start there first. Make sure they know that you are not interested in leaving but that the intolerable work environment needs to change. They should be managing the area better and should not tolerate such behavior. You can also try addressing it direct with people as they do it. When you hear comments, remind people that it's not ok. This may make you more ostracized though, but the message will get through. In order to file a lawsuit, you have to be able to prove that you attempted several times to correct the situation, but talking to coworkers and by going to management. You have to show that there was a willfull neglect by management to correct a discriminatory pattern of behavior that was repetitive and hostile. Once management has been notified, if they still do not do anything to correct the patterns, such as disciplinary action and training, then you are more likely to have a successful lawsuit.
AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 7:23PM UTC
I discussed with the VP and the President more than once. I am HR so I do correct others on comments. They are old school and seem to be stuck in the 60's. They want me to do a job but then they don't back me or the policies. They We have policies, but they are not enforced. If I try to enforce I am told to give "certain people" a leash. The things I do try to enforce are laws not just company policies. Example a guy had a minor injury. 3 months later he submitted bills claiming his gallbladder was giving him problems. The insurance company denies the bills. The employee tells everyone I messed up his claim (not work related) then refused to respond if I say hello, rude, and threatening message on my vm. (He claims it was a accident because he didnt know he "butt" dialed me. ) The owners shake their heads but will not step in or up to tell him the behavior is not acceptable. There are many examples though. They dont want people drinking on the property (in our policy) they have me write a special memo to send out again. a employee gets mad , throws in the trash and complains to the bosses who wanted it written. They make jokes about it and the VP goes out to buy the employee a case of beer.
AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 3:14PM UTC
No one ever wants to be the one to speak up against a situation that is toxic or against the law.
But if no one says anything, nothing will ever change. You can leave the environment as is or you can leave it knowing you did your part to start it’s healing. Not everyone is ready for this kind of battle and it is okay to not be, but because you are seeking support to do the hard thing I think you are. Also most companies have a reporting tool you can use to report anonymously and have the situation looked at.
Anne KrookNovember 8,2022 at 6:41PM UTC
ugh, so sorry. There are a lot of variables: how likely you think change is; how much you want to be part of that; how willing you are to be there when resentments arise over the lawsuit; how easily you can find another job if, once the lawsuit is underway, your position at the company becomes untenable; whether you social circle overlaps a lot with your work circle. It sounds as though, whether you initiate a lawsuit or not, you may want to look for other jobs. And it goes without saying that you should do nothing without consulting an attorney experienced in this area, preferably more than one.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 2:02PM UTC
I am so sorry you're experiencing this. It is in no way okay.
AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 7:20PM UTC
NO! I would not, but that's not to say that there are not companies out there that allow this to happen. Document, document, document. Take notes of when you tried to correct the situation and how it did/did not resolve. Take photos, take statements from customers who have heard these comments, take statements from co-workers who feel that they have been affected by racism. If you are feeling this, I can bet you are not alone. Go see HR, go to the EEOC, but don't go empty handed. You shouldn't have to, but you will most likely be asked to "prove it". And with documentation, you will have the who, what, when, and where. Then it will be up to the perpetrators to explain the why.