Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Retaliation for revealing boss's interoffice affair

I would like to know what laws cover this type of harassment. I revealed my boss's sexual/intimate relationship with a coworker and the extreme negative effect it was having on our office. This was revealed to upper level administration. Since that point, I have been reprimanded for the most petty of occurences (eg working 15 min over scheduled time) I have continuously pursued this issue seeking advice and protection from HR, the administration, the grievance process and the company president. I have always had satisfactory appraisals, and never had problems before I attempted the relieve the office of the extreme stress we were under due to the relationship. I have been trying to overcome this situation for over a year through the proper channels. I made all the appropriate individuals aware of the screaming, condescending, antagontistic actions that I was being forced to deal with. No one did anything. Does this fall under sexual harassment/inappropriate relationship, creating a hostile environment? How should I proceed from here?

Thank you for your time.


Asked on 3/24/03, 9:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Stern Shavitz Law Group

Re: Retaliation for revealing boss's interoffice affair

Under the facts you have presented, it is very difficult to ascertain if you have any legal claims or not. The only claim I could foresee would be a Whistleblower's Claim, however, I don't believe you were complaining about an activity or practice that was in violation of a law, rule or regulation. Rather, you complained about an office affair that may be morally and even professionally inappropriate, but not illegal. As a result, because your employer can--legally--treat you as poorly as he or she wishes otherwise, I don't believe you have any tangible claims here. I wish the law provided more protections for employees, but it is what it is for the time being.

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Answered on 3/24/03, 3:40 pm


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