Can I be forced to participate in a mediation with a co-worker who has consistently harassed me?
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Can I be forced to participate in a mediation with a co-worker who has consistently harassed me?
I work for a private, at will employer. There was an incident in which a co-worker called me a name other than my own in an open forum. I am now being forced to participate in a mediation with this person.
Asked on November 8, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Unless you have an employment contract or union agreement that gives you rights under the curcumstances, then you can be compelled to participate in this mediation. If you refuse, then you can be terminated. In fact, as an "at will" worker, you can be discharged for any reason or no reason at all. Bottom line, abnsent some form of legally actionable disrimination, your company can set the conditions of your employment much as it sees fit.
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