Most certainly employers should be held to a higher standard in their treatment of employees. Too many employers treat their employees in an inappropriate manner and get away with the poor treatment, as many employees are afraid to file complaints, standing up for their rights simply as human beings.

Having just worked for an employer for over three years, I was let go abruptly, not having been written up, disciplined and reprimanded at any time during my employment at the firm. In fact, I was the Owner's confidant, as he shared his business plans, staff plans and one month prior to my discharge even asked me if the company got down to the two of us would I stay. I house-sat for my boss on several occasions, handled personal matters for he and his wife, and even watched his 2 year old son.

While I was flattered he thought highly of me, outside of this his behavior was totally unacceptable. He would yell at me because of his frustration with multiple Project Managers, as he would complain to me they were ineffective, incompetent and were not doing there jobs. I would carefully mention to him that he needs to deal with the Project Managers directly and mentor them in such a way that he felt comfortable and confident they could manage their projects effectively, however, he completely failed to do this and would just complain to me, continuing to yell at me for their shortcomings. Additionally, he was even pulling his hair at times, throwing papers/pencils in my general direction and at one point through his entire body into a desk partition.

Now I know your sitting there saying there is no way someone would behave in this manner, well he did, and because I refused to deal with his inappropriate behavior I was terminated. Mind you, California is an "At-Will" employment state, but employees need to educate themselves on the "At-Will" terminology and the employment law which surrounds working in California. In my case, my employer verbally modified my employment contract, despite being an "At-Will" employer. By asking me if I was willing to say on at the company if it got down to the Owner and myself, the Owner modified the employment contract by inferring there was an expectation of continued employment conveyed.

Behavior such as this should not be allowed and employees should know that even if they don't pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit, there are other routes that can be pursued. Contacting the EDD, Better Business Bureau, State of California, etc. to file a complaint. Legislation should change as well. Employers should not be allowed to abuse employees, as our society, or should I say, corporate America has allowed this kind of behavior for too long! How is mistreatment and abuse of an employee any different than not providing a safe work environment free of hazards? It should not be, employers should be held accountable for their mistreatment of employees and they should be penalized just as heavily if they don't provide a safe work environment and an employee is physically hurt. Abuse is hurting an employee on a different level, but it is still damaging to the employee!

Learn more about this author, Rachelle King.
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