Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Tennessee

Hostile Work Enviroment

I went to work for a company that the store manager is a person who hate people and deliver messages in a hostile way to all employee. This person even came up behind me and grab my arms from behind and pull me and said ugly things to me. She mad at me because I turn her in behind of behavior and things she said that discrimate people. She gave me a perfect review, then a couple week after she got in trouble with the company, she review me and gave me all bad marks. She works me longs hours to aggravate me. Like 18 hours straight. The stress she put on me, is unbelievable. Now I got sick and been out on a medical leave with lupus and rehumatiod arthritic. The doctor releasing me to go back part time. I so afraid I what this person is going to put me through. I need my job. What right to I have. I have record and journal of alot of things this person done. Everyone is the store hate this person. She makes everybody jobs a living hell. Its not the message she deliver but the messenger words and behavior.

Help tell me what to do


Asked on 8/18/04, 10:56 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

James R. Becker, Jr. Becker Law Firm

Re: Hostile Work Enviroment

A hostile work environment, without being based on some illegal ground is not illegal in Tennessee. Stated another way, an employer that is a "barbarian" (i.e., treats everyone badly) typically is not breaking any laws because they are not discriminating or retaliating against a person because of any protected characteristic or activity.

You may have some rights, however, depending on the content of your complaint to management. I would recommend that you speak with a lawyer that handles employment matters regularly. If you would like to consult with us, I can be reached at [email protected].

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Answered on 8/19/04, 12:20 pm
Dr. Michael A. S. Guth Tennessee Attorney at Law Assists Pro Se (without a lawyer) Parties

Re: Hostile Work Enviroment

You would seem to qualify for disability status, which means your employer would have to make reasonable accomodation for your disability for you to perform your work. Disability status will depend on what your doctor is willing to specify about your condition. If you have a boss who creates a hostile work environment, your best alternative is to vote with your feet and find another job. Legally, you would not gain anything by trying to sue the company or supervisor, because you would get terminated in the process.

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Answered on 8/19/04, 8:42 pm


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