Can an employer say that to an employee?

I tried asking him a legit question about his scheduling and this is what he yelled at me “You will not speak unless you're spoken to!"

I wanted to know if there is something I can do legally. Im not the only one who gets this treatment but I seem to be the one he likes to take his anger out on. He yells at me like that all the time and of course Im looking for another job but I refuse to leave until I have something. Last time I left thinking I had another job when it was not finalized I got in major debt. I want to see if anyone can give me advice, should I go to the labor board? Will they do anything??? Please help.
Additional Details
Its a very small work place. He is the owner and Im the dispatcher and there is an office manager who is my friend and agrees with me. She was there when he said that and she just told him that his attitude needs to calm down. Whatever I just need to get the hell out of there.

t c

Sometimes it's better to just leave it be. You are looking for another job as you should, but I wouldn't bother wining about to different people. I mean what are you gonna say, "he yelled at me!"? What do you want to do legally? Do you want to sue him for yelling at you? Give us a break! I mean the guy is a really mean person to say the least, but grow up already. Maybe you talk to much and he's sick of it.

Just forget it and move on.

Squat1

Being a you know what is not against the law.

While unpleasant, it is not what is classified as a "hostile work environment".

Expert Realtor

If he is the owner, then there is nothing you can do. It's terrible, but not illegal.

All you can do is steer clear of him, DO NOT discuss him with other co-workers no matter how much in agreement they are with you, until you find something else.

Hang on to the job, b/c chances are he DOES NOT pay into unemployment insurance if his business is that small...so if he fires you, you are just out of a job.

PS: To everyone that suggested talking to the HR department...if you READ the post...the boss is the owner and there is no HR department.

Jason F

Sounds like a hostile workplace to me. Document EVERYTHING then get a lawyer.

Don Drapers woman

In reading the other responses, the answerer's are correct. You don't have any recourse against the owner. He can say things to you like that as he seems to say them to everyone. You really really need to get out of there soon. Getting an attorney will not resolve this issue and should you win any sort of judgment against your employer, if he does not pay up, you will have more litigation expenses trying to get him to pay up. Keep looking for a job and get out of there as soon as you can. Besides, who needs that kind of stress from a stupid nasty boss.

Kiwi

Do you have an HR department? I would start there. If it's a very small company like the law firm I work for, there's probably no one to go to. In that case I would probably not call the labor board - I don't have much faith that they would do anything. I would just try to get the heck out of there asap.
Good luck.

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