If I am a supervisor and one employee is accusing meof harassment, what canI do?
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If I am a supervisor and one employee is accusing meof harassment, what canI do?
This person has been behind on her work and every time I ask for the status of something she getsvery aggressive and give excuses. Honestly I been nice to her but she is complaining to HR. She is blaming me for her delay on the work. My company now is doing a temporary transfer for me; they said my job is not in jeopardy right now but I feel really sad because I never had a problem before. What are my rights regarding the transfer and possible job termination?
Asked on December 23, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, you probably do not have any rights against your company or to protect your job, unless you have an employement contract of some kind which sets out a disciplinary proces which must be followed. Otherwise, a company may generally transfer--or change jobs of, demote, suspend, or terminate--an employee at will, including due to co-worker complaints.
If the woman is publically (which includes to HR and managment) making material (or important) factual misrepresentations (or lies) about you which damage your reputation, you might be able to sue the coworker herself for defamation. Note that neither true facts nor opinions consituate defamation; and since law suits cost money, unless you suffer some economic injury or loss, it's not likely worthwhile to pursue that option.
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