Hi Artra, it is very sad what is occurring in many of these work environments. Either they are outright discriminating against hiring people for various reasons, or they are making it very uncomfortable for the workers who remain, because currently it remains an employer market, and they likely perceive you as being replaceable. The only real recourse you have with documenting everything carefully and all of the steps you have taken regarding reporting it to your supervisor first, then HR, etc. and what their responses have been. Also, check your employee handbook out regarding the company's protocol for handling allegations of harassment because this is technically your contract with the company. If you feel like your company is not assisting you, then file a complaint with the EEOC. Even if they don't feel like there is enough evidence to prove your case against your employer, they can complete an investigation, and you will have it documented that you filed a complaint regarding the matter and followed all of the proper steps, and still nothing was done to remedy the situation. By doing this, you protect yourself from later if you are wrongfully terminated, or if they continue to make the situation so unbearable that you quit. Either way, you can then file another EEOC complaint regarding wrongful termination either due to retaliation, harassment, or constructive discharge (meaning you left under duress as a result of the company making your work environment so uncomfortable). Even in right to work states, they still must comply with Federal laws. Though the process is cumbersome, and the EEOC does not always file suit against a company, at least you can pursue all avenues to protect yourself. My recommendation is that while following this process, you may want to consider looking for another job, in case your company does try to find a reason to terminate you, at least you will be prepared.

It looks like you are getting excellent advice here. If there is one thing to remember through all of this: This kind of treatment is not tolerable in any case or for any reason. If they have a legitimate beef with you, they need to address it formally and correctly, just like folks are advising you to do for getting the harassment stopped. Keep your chin up!

Get an attorney! Document, Document, Document. Times, dates, who the person is doing it, any witnesses.

Hi there, I well understand this situation as I have been harassed and bullied and sabotaged as you have. I won't go into my story except to say that through all this I have researched and checked out numerous items on this topic. If I knew as much during the time I could have done more, but lack of knowledge, and fear stopped me. First you have to write everything down. I know this can be a pain but it is worth it. Try to use e-mail as much as possible for responses rather than just word of mouth or telephone calls. Check your policy and procedures manual and follow up with what it suggests to do. If they have a non harassment policy and you follow the chain of command and show that you have reported it appropriately you have evidence. If you have to go to doctors, therapists etc make sure you have evidence that suggests this is related. I could write more but I just wanted to start simple and to the point. I hope this will assist you. Regards Pat

One Is this really true? I for one do not doubt you. But you must sure so take a moment and really think about.

Two get a piece of paper and make three columns. Mark them significant. Annoying and trivial write down times and dates. (specifics only no editorial) document for future use

Reexamine the in light of your situation and then determine your cause of action without heat

Then Speak to you supervisors boss clear and simple without heat and demand in clear terms what you expect.

Follow-up with an email and certified letter to HR. Use words like hostile working environment and your supervisor has lost control of the situation.

Then if it isn't fixed get another job and hire a lawyer.

Sorry for that, but you should file a law suit against them

You can lodge a compliant with the Civil Liberties Association and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is to you benefit to take detailed notes. Times, dates, parties involved, witnesses etc.... Does your work place have cameras? Remember always report the facts and take the emotions out of it (which is difficult I know). What they are doing is wrong. Everyone deserves to have a safe and productive work environment.

P.S. Atra, there are indeed posters everywhere in one's work place advising employees that they are free to work in a safe environment. However, when you find yourself in a bad situation, that is when you find out all those posters are empty words.

Artra, it is a sad situation but all too common. I do not know why they do not just dismiss you, since the NC law does not care about employees. Unfortunately, North Carolina is an "at-will" state, meaning an employer can fire people for any reason that suits them. In my situation, I was dismissed for a bogus reason and filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity was just a joke. The reality is you are on your own and the only solution is to find another job. Believe me, nobody in power cares what you are going through. The only people who achieve anything, are those who can afford to pay a lawyer to defend them.

First, go to your immediate supervisor and get the cards on the table. Set up a meeting with him/her. Keep everything professional and don't let your emotions get the better of you.

If you are not satisfied with his/her "next steps," go directly to HR and tell them exactly what you wrote here. And if it doesn't stop, tell them you will file a lawsuit citing "hostile work environment." Say that you have already acquired legal counsel. They will react immediately. Do not tolerate this kind of thing. Ever. Try to create a log of incidents to document this harassment.