Another Interesting Bill: Workplace Bullying

[Watchman]

Here is a link to a bill in the Vermont Legislature to prevent bullying and abusive behavior in the workplace  http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2014/BILLS/INTRO/S-034.pdf. I'm new to the forum and I'm wondering what people think.

[tfence]

this has to be a joke. Are they serious. Why would anybody own a business. This would leave it wide open to be sued by upset employees.

[tfence]

on a side note. Why is OK for the union to bully?

[Watchman]

I wonder if a bill like this would have afforded Julie Filiberti some protection in her experiences during the fall months.

[ohhman]

Unfortunately, I bet our school leaders would have found a loop hole in regards to Julie;  I still stand firm in my belief: THEIR loss for losing Julie!

[Loctavious]

on a side note. Why is OK for the union to bully?

How does a bullying bill affect employers if they aren't bullying Tom?  As with any entity - if they're using 'indentified' means of intimidation, cohersion, or influence then they'd be on the hook for such activities... key word is 'identified' I myself know not every industy has defined and identified means of bullying, and even less employers have this outlined.

Still I'd hope legislators are smart enough to explore the possibilities of abuse on both sides if they're serious about this.

[tfence]

It will add lawyer/legal fees while the business owners are defending their opinions on what is or is not considered bullying. This is an additional liability to a business owner. Like any law regarding employer/employee dispute it is up to the employer to defend themselves. Most companies do not condone bullying and have plans in place to control it. Lawyers will eat these cases up. Insurance companies will charge for additional coverage to insure for bullying. 

[Loctavious]

as with any lawsuit - one has to evidence supporting/suggesting 2 things : 1) bad intent and/or 2) bad act.

AGAIN, I'll say that if the law is left at "Bullying is wrong and here's what will happen if it's proven: x,y,z" then i agree - a law so vague would be heart ache for employers and headache for the judiciary.

BUT, if the law is well thought out, outlines what is considered bullying in the workplace..... ( as schools do) and levys the payment for ALL court costs upon the loser ( thus if an employee attempts to smear an employer's reputation, and loses they get to pick up the tab for it) then i don't see it beign a bad motion to have. 

I see behavior bu supervisors or managers in some of my mulitple workplaces that WOULD be considered inappropriate and/or bullying and it makes me very uncomfortable when i'm around it.
If people can't be civil - then we penalize them for it - why not - we do it for everythign else.

[Chris Santee]

"as with any lawsuit - one has to evidence supporting/suggesting 2 things : 1) bad intent and/or 2) bad act."

Remember McDonald's Hot Coffee ?

[tfence]

bullying in the work place, you have a choice unlike a kid at school or an industry being bullied by a political administration. If you think you are being bullied at work you have a choice to leave your job and get another one. The work place bullies will soon learn how to behave themselves. They will end up with no employees.  I just don't think we need another law that would tie up company resources that would be better used for developing more employment opportunities. As far as the law being well thought out. That just does not happen. All laws are open for interpretation. Don't get me wrong. I do not condone bullying in the workplace. I would just be worried that a law savy employee would definitly use this law to their advantage. Just like some tenants use laws to stay in apartments rent free.

[rod anode]

just take it up out back and settle it the old way ,why do you always have to get lawyers involed

[cedarman]

While I am of the attitude "IF you don't like where you are working, find a new place to work".  I recognize that it is not always that simple for everyone.

For anyone who has seen actions around a work environment that made them uncomfortable, or actions that were obviously malicious, Did you speak to someone at the work place about your observations?

The idea of making employees who file an action under this bill liable for legal expenses if they don't "win" in court, effectively renders this bill pointless (which I kind of feel it is) because employees who are truly in bad work environments wouldn't want to file a report/claim/action due to fear of losing the case and having additional financial burden.

I think there are already sufficient work place/employee protection laws in place now. I think there are bigger issues to focus on then making even more detailed rules to create liability on companies by a broader group of people who are not being substancially "HARMED".

[rod anode]

 Did you speak to someone at the work place about your observations?

no I come here instead ,lol

[Stand Alone Defense]

just take it up out back and settle it the old way ,why do you always have to get lawyers involed

Because our society is full of pussies Ed!!!!!!!!  We would rather cry about it and go run our sucks on the internet about it instead of being a man!!

[rod anode]

good one josh