California law hopes to prevent workplace bullying

On Behalf of | Jun 26, 2015 | Employee Rights

Workplaces in California are supposed to be free from certain types of behavior. Under state and federal employment laws, employers are prohibited from engaging in a variety of discrimination or retaliation against employees.

Furthermore, employers are prohibited from engaging in or allowing the sexual harassment of employees. Employees — both male and female — have the right to go to work and not have to worry about unwanted sexual advances, displays of sexual images and sexual jokes and comments.

Workplaces in California are supposed to be free from certain types of behavior. Under state and federal employment laws, employers are prohibited from engaging in a variety of discrimination or retaliation against employees.

Furthermore, employers are prohibited from engaging in or allowing the sexual harassment of employees. Employees — both male and female — have the right to go to work and not have to worry about unwanted sexual advances, displays of sexual images and sexual jokes and comments.

Unfortunately, many California workplaces fail to live up to this standard. Many allow the poor treatment of employees and, thereby, allow a hostile work environment. California lawmakers are constantly trying to come up with new ways to protect employees in these situations.

California lawmakers have tried to address the topic of bullying in the workplace by passing legislation. The law went into effect in January and requires employers to provide anti-bullying training as part of supervisor’s mandatory training. Under the law, bullying is widely defined and includes any conduct that a reasonable person could find offensive or hostile that is unrelated to legitimate business purposes. Under this definition, humiliating, intimidating or threatening acts can be considered bullying.

While this law seems like it is taking a step in the right direction to protect employees, many claim that it really isn’t very effective. As the law is written, the training is mandated, but there are no remedies should employers violate the law. This means that the law does not give employees the right to take specific legal action against the employer.

This is frustrating to many employees who are suffering from harmful treatment at work. These employees should know that many employment laws are in place to protect them. With the right help, these people may be able to hold an employer accountable.

Source: The Press Enterprise, “WORKPLACE: California law now requires anti-bullying training,” Richard K. DeAtley, June 17, 2015

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