Legal Question in Employment Law in California

hostile boss

My manager accused me of lying about the status of my work license and made intimidating and hostile remarks to me over the phone. She is well known for being rude and unprofessinal to her staff and other managers as well. Can I pursue any legal action against her?


Asked on 10/09/06, 2:06 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: hostile boss

No. You might want to look for work elsewhere if your manager can't get along.

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Answered on 10/11/06, 8:49 pm
Beth Mora Cooper & Mora, A Professional Corporation

Re: hostile boss

I am sorry to hear about your situation at work. A hostile boss is not necessarily illegal or subject to a lawsuit. It definately sounds as if your boss is abusive, but not necessarily as if the conduct is actionable.

Even though the conduct may not raise to the level of a lawsuit, if you find it difficult to work with, I suggest you make a complaint to your employer's Human Resources and/or your manager's supervisor. If the relationship is truly that bad, you have only help to gain from complaining. However, beware of retaliation for complaining - not actionable legal retaliation but the manager may get even more upset.

I also must suggest that you try to find work elsewhere if you can. I know that in this economy it is difficult to find work. As such, I do not suggest you leave your job without having one already set up and offered to you. You can NOT get unemployment simply because your boss is abusive.

Remember, just because there is not legal action, does not mean you cannot, in a polite and professional manner, stand up for yourself through Human Resources. However, you must beware of the consequences of your actions and begin looking for work elsewhere.

Best of luck, Beth Mora

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Answered on 10/13/06, 11:45 am


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