Legal Question in Employment Law in Georgia

A couple of days ago I got into a verbal argument with one of my associates right infront of my manager. She told us to cut it out so I went into the break room to recollect my taughts. Once I walked back on the sales floor I walked by the same associate and he called me a stupid fat bitch. At that point, I started to walk out the store because my weight is something I struggled with my whole life. My manager came after me but I couldn't stop crying. The next day I called my the store to speak with my store or assistant store manager but both were gone. So I called back again the next day and when I told him my side of the story he basicaly made it seem like it wasn't a big deal by saying that anyone could comment on my weight and that I shouldn't let it affect me. At first he said that in order for him to document it he would need me to come in to the store. I told him that I would not be returning because I would never feel comfortable at work again so he said that he would document it. I could have spoken to the manager who was in charge that night but I knew that she was good friends with that associate and that they hung out outside of work before. I still haven't heard of anything about the investigation. I work at Publix located in Georgia where they say they handle harrasment seriously but so far no one has contacted me. I'm still waiting for an employee complaint form to be sent to me. In the past we have had a chance to speak to our district managers but they always seem to leave before my meeting with them. My next step is to file a complaint with human resources. Is there any advice you can give me? Should I contact a lawyer?


Asked on 6/18/11, 2:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Your post is not clear, but it looks like you quit. That is what "I am never returning" means to most employers. If so, by making the choice to quit after one incident, without giving the store the chance to handle it, you may have cost yourself a job. Any complaint and investigation may be relevant to how the other employee is handled or disciplined, but it might not make a difference to you. If you don't want to give the employer a chance to resolve the issue, especially if it is the first incident, you can't really expect much from them.

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Answered on 6/18/11, 2:40 pm


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