Is it considered harassment if an employee is repeatedly asked to do things without any prior notice ?

· · 0 views
A fellow coworker called in sick. The shift was covered that day, but due to previous plans made by the covering employee, it was told to the direct manager that if there was another sick call the following day, it could not be covered. That was noted and that was the end of the conversation.
The following day the sick call came. This was never mentioned to me. Not until the shift was halfway over was it explained that a non direct manager would have to cover. I was asked to stay as late as possible, so I explained I would do what I could.
After the manager left, the person covering was very upset and asked why I was not staying, saying it was my responsibility to do so. I explained they already knew I could not. I was also told to cancel plans after work for a possible call the next day. Is this considered workplace harassment?

3 Attorney Answers

Best Answer
No, it's not considered harassment in a legal sense. Your job is to do what your employer asks you to do. You may think it's unfair or inappropriate not to give you notice, but your employer is entitled to ask you to perform whatever job function he wants you to, with or without notice. So long as you don't have a contract for employment and you aren't in a union, these are the rules of the workplace.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Craig T. Byrnes
www.ctblawfirm.com
Best Answer
The word "harassment" has many meanings. The legal meaning is "unwelcomed severe or pervasive conduct or comments directed at a person because of their membership in a protected class of people. What you describe might be considered by you to be harassing, it is not harassment that would carry with it a legal obligation to stop, or that would give rise to a right to sue.
Good luck to you.
Best Answer
These facts do not constitute harassment.

Sign in to answer this question.

Sign In or Sign Up as an Attorney