Co-worker being treated unfairly?

Employment Guy

Nothing you described is illegal or really falls into the category of bullying. I'm not telling you this to dis you, but so that you don't stick out your neck and try to help and end up losing your job.

If you are right that the supervisor doesn't like her ... there is nothing illegal about that, or even against any company's rules that I've ever heard of. As for assigning her tasks that she does not have time to do, it is every manager's responsibility to keep their employees as productive as possible. Tasks may not always make sense, but you don't know what mandates the company has laid on the manager.

If you ever see the manager being truly abusive, especially physically (that's bullying) then by all means you should intervene. Otherwise, based on what you've shared, you might only lose your own job without helping your friend.

bubblesofchester

sometimes it is hard 2 stick up for yourself so if you were a friend u should stand up for her. talk to her supervisor and if the bullying doesnt stop then u should talk to her supervisors higher-up. only seek legal help if it still doesnt stop

julvrug

Sorry but there is nothing illegal about the supervisors requests or demands, other than talking down to her, which should be handled by speaking to the supervisors superior. It is possible the supervisor is fishing for reasons to fire or encourage her to quit, again nothing illegal with that if you work for an at will employer. If you, as a co-worker do not like what is happening, then make time to assist her with the tasks. Remember the only part that is actually illegal is the tone and demeanor in which she is treating her. If your friend really needs the job, she better learn to actually do more than what the supervisor requires of her.

kelannde

There is no law against a supervisor not liking an employee, or assigning them useless tasks. Unless this dislike is done because of your coworkers race, gender, or religion, she will be wasting her money hiring an attorney.

She needs to keep her current job, but start looking for a new one as soon as possible. She might also try respectfully asking her supervisor to not speak to her as if she is a child.

Life isn't "fair" and the workforce is skewed to protect the company, not the employee. If you work in a a "right to hire" state, she can be fired for any reason whatsoever. Having a "mean" boss isn't a court case.

2GoEnterprises.com

The best thing to do is talk to other workers and make a stand together. Maybe get everyone to stop work for 10 minutes to make a point? According to the law, what the supervisor is doing is illegal. Do you work in a large company? If so you should contact Human Resources immediately, if not, contact the highest member of staff that you can about it.

OverRuled23

Nothing really illegal here; however, your coworker has the right to be spoken to as an adult by her supervisor and as a professional - no less.

I'd document every project given to me: supervisor's name, title of project, date, no. of pages, date started/completed.

Different set of rules? find out what the difference is. That could be proof of harassment/bullying. Find out and document.

I'd also speak to my supervisor and tell her calmly I'd appreciate it if she would speak to me in a professional manner-not as a child, then walk away. Don't wait for an answer. Ball's then in your court. Document that also, including date, supervisor's name.

I'd again offer to stay late/come in early to finish any project including the times I'd stay late/arrive early. If I'm denied, I'd ask why-and document the fact I asked to stay, was denied, also document the way my supervisor responded, i.e. sarcastically, angrily, arrogently, etc. Include date, supervisor's name, name of particular project, no. of pages. Even if you offer once-document.

If, after a reasonable time that supervisor didn't change her tone towards me, I'd go to HR with copies of my documentation.

Documenting may help, or may not. It's worth a shot. Understand there's a possibility of your coworker being fired anyway, without reason, but documenting may give her the confidence she'll need if she decides to seek legal action, due to that hostile environment her supervisor's creating.

All the best.

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