Legal Question in Employment Law in California

My boss humiliates me at work

I work with 10 other men building roof trusses and our boss is always yelling at a couple of us, humiliating us in front of the others. I know this doesn't fall under any sexual harrassment nor discrimination guidelines because we're all the same gender and race. I don't know what to do because there aren't any good jobs in this area and I do like my job, I just don't feel its right to be yelled at all the time. I've heard of legal terms such as ''public humiliation'' and ''intentional infliction of emotional distress'' but can an employer be sued for this or is this one of those situations where I'm supposed to deal with it or find employment elsewhere? I've tried talking to my boss about it and he just snaps back ''I'm not yelling. If I was yelling, you'd know.'' I'm afraid I'd lose my job if I went to his boss about this. What should I do and is there anything I can do?


Asked on 10/23/03, 11:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: My boss humiliates me at work

Sorry, but if the yelling is simple abuse, not sexual, race, religion, etc., then your remedy is to request the company remedy the situation, or find a new job. No one said life is fair, and there is no law against being offensive, abusive and stupid. If there was, a lot of people would be in jail. Other than a WCAB 'stress' claim that has to be supported by medical testimony, there isn't much effective you can do. "Emotional Distress" lawsuits require horrendous and outrageous facts to have even the slightest chance of success.

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Answered on 10/25/03, 4:11 pm


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