Legal Question in Employment Law in Texas

Hostile work environment

I've worked for a large company for 7 years. For 2 years someone who holds a supervisory position has made the workplace extremely stressful and uncomfortable. It's a popularity clique; those who are ''in'' receive favorite attention, and those who aren't are made to feel like stupid outsiders. The put-downs do not involve race, gender, etc., but there are thousands of ways to make a person feel inadequate. This person relieves her own stress on the people she doesn't like (the majority of us are also women). Her demeaner changes when someone who outranks her is present. Our manager, as well as HIS manager, and HR are very aware of the problem. Half of us wonder if we'd be better off fired! I don't think this falls under any of the protected rights; does this qualify as a hostile work environment? Is there protection from that? Does harrassment mean only the sexual kind? And is it illegal to treat employees like this, or just plain bad manners? Thank you for your help.


Asked on 11/10/03, 9:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Evans Mathis & Donheiser

Re: Hostile work environment

Unless the conduct is based on an individual being in a protected class, there is no legal protection unless there is extremely egregious conduct: physical assault or threat of it; gross and persistent use of profanity directed at an individual, etc. The law does not protect you or your co-workers from a work environment you find unacceptable or even degrading. Unfortunately, your only real alternative, if mangagement won't fire the jerk, is to find another job.

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Answered on 11/11/03, 12:43 pm


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