Hostile Work Environment Definition
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Steps Toward Workplace Civility Law & Could You Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Confused

In Episode #14 of the Hostile Workplace Podcast we review two recent cases, both of which point toward the federal courts gradual expansion of discrimination law, inching closer to requiring civility in the workplace. Ingrid Reeves v. C.H. Robinson Worldwide (11th Cir., January 20, 2010) Indergard v. Georgia-Pacific Corp., (9th Cir., September 28, 2009) We also have a highly informative interview with Brian Therrien of Disability Digest. We've featured … [Read more...]

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Is This Retaliation or Discrimination? Q & A with Derek D.

ecamination time

Academy Member and book buyer Derek D. and I have been talking about how his bullying boss has gone over the line and started to infringe on Derek's employee rights.  Of course there is a long history, with the supervisor Trent taking a dislike to Derek back when Trent was himself a machine operator. After his promotion, Trent made comments that … [Read more...]

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Hostile Workplace Podcast #5: “I Don’t Know What FMLA Is, But I’m Sure YOU Don’t Qualify For It”

Download PDF Transcript Have you heard a supervisor admit they don't know about something with one breath, but then proceed to tell you what you should do about that thing in their next breath?  Listen to one of my readers, Vicki, tell her story dealing with that exact scenario. Once Vicki used FMLA, others at her work wanted to use FMLA leave too.  This angered her supervisors, who launched a campaign to "get" her. Listen to Podcast Episode #5 now to hear how Vicki has fared against her company's attack (and don't expect a nicey nice happy ending). You can listen to Podcast #5 through the player here on UndercoverLawyer.com. Or, if you have iTunes you can click on the link below to listen there and subscribe to the podcast for … [Read more...]

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“I Went On Med Leave and Now This…?!” Employee Unfriendly H.R.

Of the many questions I receive and respond to each week, I thought this one was particularly interesting because it shows how short-sighted and employee-unfriendly H.R. departments can be. A gentleman used medical leave for the first time in his twelve year career. He had to work with his doctor to adjust some medications; then he was set to return to work and continue in his twelfth year with the company without a single bad appraisal. "CAN I SCREAM DISCRIMINATION..." Suddenly and without warning he receives a letter from the Human Resources Department that states: "....if you will need accommodation(s) when you return, please contact the Office of Workplace Diversity before your return. They will assist you with that process......" The letter doesn't sound mean, but what … [Read more...]