Is this a hostile work enviorment?

I work at a school and we have a janitor who is always being mean to me. If anything needs to be fixed in his room he gives me an attitude about it. Today he yelled at me (literally) in front of my students. It was humillitating and my students even asked me why I was getting yelled at by him!! I am starting to feel extremely uncomfortable when he is around. I am even afraid to ask to have something fixed in my room, I just try to fix it myself or buy a new one. Is this hostile, being yelled at and disrespected?
Additional Details
Thanks to both of you. I did report the incident and I told them I felt he was very aggressive and out of control. The principal informed me he will speak to him in regards to the situation. I just hope this all works out.

OverRuled23

Yelling and intimidation should not be tolerated in the workplace; plus it's his job to fix or repair anything in your room-with or without an attitude.

Tell your principal; and back it up by documenting what you've stated here, and any future incidences: dates, his full name/title, and attitude. Seperate incidences on seperate paper, double space. Any time you request for repairs-also document or make a copy of your request sheet.

It was rude, intimidating, and unnecessary of him to yell at you, especially in front of your students. I know you want to keep a distance from him, but don't be afraid to ask him to fix anything-if you fix it yourself you could be held liable for any (possible) damages since he could claim he "didn't fix it" and you shouldn't have to buy anything because of his bad attitude.

Next time he yells at you-especially in your class-tell him calmly:

"I'm NOT here to be yelled at. Would YOU like if it someone yelled at you? Since YOU don't know the difference between yelling and speaking to ME in a calm, civilized and respectful manner, I'll report you to the assist. principal." You've now taken control of the situation and the kids can see you're not tolerating his behavior. What you're really saying is: "How dare you speak to me that way!"

Don't answer him. If he continues yelling, if you have a Teacher's Aid, tell that person to get the Asst. Principal because the janitor is "out of control." Document, including the above sentence (or words of your choosing) his answer, if any and the fact you told your Teacher's Aid to get the A.P. Your assistant principal gets a copy; meanwhile if this janitor retaliates in any way, i.e, refuses to make repairs or delays any, tell your principal and keep backing it up by documenting.

If this janitor still gives you a hard time, keep documenting but this time the principal gets copies of all your documentations.

Don't let him feel he has the upper hand. If he's civil service, he probably thinks he "can't be fired." Documenting and being called into the principal's office may or may not change his attitude-but it'll put him on notice that he's being watched.

Good luck

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