Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Verbal harrassment/age discrimination

I work in for a well-known nationwide furniture retailer. The manager that was in charge when I started working for the company was recently fired and has been replaced by a 24 year old ''manager'' who has decided that he doesn't like me. Although I have consistantly been the top sales producer and am well liked by my co-workers, I am continually singled out for chiding, ridiclule because I cannot lift furniture, unwarranted reprimands and unneccesary micro-management. His behavior is not only undermining my ability to be successful but is creating general tension in the workplace. The entire staff has witnessed and is appalled by his behavior (which he has also exhibited in front of my customers!).

I have always felt valued by the owners of the franchise, but when I called to express my concerns, I was simply told that they aren't ''finished'' with our store yet, and to ''stay out of the fray''. I am a mature (61 year old) adult, and have a background in management myself. I have never treated anyone nor been treated like this and am at my limit. I have enjoyed the position to this point and would like to continue my employment but am increasingly dismayed and discouraged. What can I do? What should I do??


Asked on 4/28/08, 12:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Merry Kogut Key Peninsula Law

Re: Verbal harrassment/age discrimination

First, don't just call the owners. Write them a letter, and send it certified, return receipt. Provide a list of specific instances.

Second, start keeping a journal if you don't already. Keep this at home, not work.

Third, if you don't obtain relief within a reasonable amount of time from writing a letter, file an internal complaint with Human Resources, if the company has one. If not, go directly to the Washington State Human Rights Commission and file a complaint with them. (Otherwise, this would be step four). If your company has a personnel policy manual, follow any instructions on how to file a complaint on the basis of harrassment or discrimination. (They may have a special phone number to call or person to whom to write).

Fourth, take a good look at all your other options, such as employment with another company.

Meanwhile, continue to perform your job in the most professional manner you can, and don't allow this jerk to get to you.

Good luck,

Merry

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Answered on 4/28/08, 3:06 pm


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