Legal Question in Employment Law in Michigan
Threats from a co-worker
Recently I observed a problem with a co-worker. This person was leaving while on company time to go do things with this lady he is seeing. He would be gone for several hours and then just show back up. So I reported the incidents to management. After making this report the co-worker told me ''You better watch your back. What goes around comes around.'' This seemed like a veiled threat indicating possible future harm to me, so I reported the incident to management. Management has since told me that there is nothing they can do because it is my word against his and he says he didn't threaten me (did they really expect him to admit to it?). I also was lectured about how I needed to remember we are on the same team and to get along with my co-workers, and so on. It's almost like management doesn't understand. I was threatened by this co-worker, and yet they tell me they can't (or won't) do anything about it and that I should try and be friends with him?!? It seems to me that based on the fact that I did report his misconduct and encountered the threat in retaliation for that, that there must be some type of recourse available to me even though management refuses to help me. If someone could help me I would really appreciate it!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Threats from a co-worker
Remember your mother's advice about minding your own business? You made an adversary of your co-worker by putting his job in jeopardy for no good reason. What did you think would happen if he found out that you were responsible?
You also made an adversary of his supervisor who has the responsibility (you don't) for keeping track of his whereabouts. Management probably disciplined his supervisor.
Further, your other co-workers probably no longer trust you - if they ever did.
As far as the perceived veiled threat is concerned, it appears that he only promised that any of your indescretions also would be reported to management - just as his were. Interpersonal conflicts in the workplace that are not attributed to unlawful discrimination are of no interest to the courts.
If your own management informed him that you ratted him out, you may want to look for another job. Otherwise, I'd advise you to follow their advice and learn how to work with others. Ask management if they would be willing to sponsor you for a Dale Carnegie course.
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