What can I do about a supervisor who plays favorites and penalizes the others?
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What can I do about a supervisor who plays favorites and penalizes the others?
The collision repair shop I work at pays based on a per job basis. If I get a job that the insurance company will pay 10 hours labor, and I can get it done in 5, I still get 10 hours pay. Although I am employed by the company, paid by the company, receive benefits I am still considered a sub-contractor. We call it flat rate. Work is assigned to technicians to complete. When the supervisor has it out for someone instead of firing them, he stops giving them work. In effect keeping them from earning money and forcing them to seek other employment. My supervisor is proud that he has no lay offs and no one that I know has ever received any unemployment compensation. Who will speak for me and the countless others subjected to this?
Asked on January 2, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, New Hampshire
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
There is something in the law known as a "hostile work enviornment". This is a cause of action that an employee can file in instances of unfair treatment in the workplace. However, such treatment must be based on discrimination against an employee due to their being a member of a legally "protected class". In other words, a person's treatment must be based on their race, religion, nationality, gender, age or disability (and in some states sexual orientation). Otherwise, while the actions you discuss are highly unprofessional, they are not illegal. The fact is that employers do not have to treat all of their employees equally or evenly fairly (absent illegal discrimination as described above). In "at will" employment arrangements, companies can set the terms and conditions of the workplace much as they see fit.
Note: If your treatment violates company policy or the terms of an employment contract or union agreement, then you would have an a valid claim.
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