Contact the experienced employment law attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. today at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com.
What is Workplace Bullying?
When your boss is a bully, going to work every day may become a nightmare. The Workplace Bullying Institute defines Workplace Bullying as “abusive conduct that take the form of verbal abuse; threats, humiliation, or intimidation; or interference that prevents the target from getting work done.”
Legal Protections from Workplace Bullying
Unfortunately, no current laws specifically prohibit bullying in the workplace, even if it is intentional and undeserved. Although several states have considered such legislation, none of the proposed bills have passed thus far. However, bullying is illegal when it violates federal or state anti-discrimination laws. So, if your boss bullies you due to your race, religion, gender, disability status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or other protected status, and the conduct creates a “hostile work environment” for you, then you may have a valid discrimination claim. To qualify as a “hostile work environment,” the conduct must be severe and pervasive, to the extent that a reasonable person would find it to be hostile, offensive, or abusive.
Moreover, extreme workplace bullying might violate other laws. If your boss’s conduct includes threats of physical harm, for instance, he or she may be criminally and/or civilly liable for assault. Similarly, if your boss harasses you outside of work as well, it may lead to an arrest for stalking.
If you have been bullied in the workplace, time is of the essence, because there is a limited time window for you to file a discrimination complaint. Contact the experienced employment law attorneys today at 203-221-3100, or by email at JMaya@mayalaw.com. We have the experience and knowledge you need at this critical juncture. We serve clients in both New York and Connecticut including New Canaan, Bridgeport, White Plains, and Darien.
