Legal Forum
Discuss employment-law issues such as family leave, overtime, disabilities law, harassment, immigration and termination.
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Posted: 2002-02-12 08:45
My ex-spouse has recently become employed at my place of work. She is employed through a temporary employment agency, but the likelihood of her being hired on full time is very high. We are in the middle of an ugly child custody suit and she has repeatedly harassed me at home and now I feel she will do the same to me at my place of work.
I do not have any specific allegations of harassment at my work (yet), however, I would like to know what preemptive options I have at my disposal through the facts that 1) I worked here first and my role is somewhat industry specific in nature (it would be much more challenging for me to find a new job than for her), 2) I am a full-time employee with the firm and she is a "temp", and 3) Although we work in different departments, I regularly interface with her department manager and team leads, therefore the possibility of our running into each other is high and could certainly become a hostile situation.
sullivan@iws.org
Joined: Nov 21, 2001 Posts: 66
Posted: 2002-02-12 09:15
Is there a policy of hiring relatives? I know this is not what you want to hear, but, if she is qualified and can do the job, being your ex doesnt prohibit her from work. Now if she is just trying to be a pain, you may have to use company policy of harassment in the work place. I would probably notify my manager of this delima, quite possibly he/she can intervien for you. I'm so sorry, I've been in your shoes.
Forum Hosts Legal Forum Host
Joined: Dec 20, 2001 Posts: 521
Posted: 2002-02-12 15:04
Employees have the "right" to be free of harassment based on a protected characteristic (i.e, based on gender, race, national origin, age and the like). Employers are not obligated to create a work environment free from "harassment" in general. All work is "harassing" in once sense or another. Furthermore, absent a written or oral contract of employment, no employee has any greater "rights" than any other employee. All employees are equal. (This is America after all.)
Thus, you are going to have to find a way to get along with your ex-spouse. It is as much your responsibility as it is yours. I would recommend you speak to HR about the issues and your concerns. At the end of the day, be professional and remeber that "cream rises to the top."
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Posted: 2002-02-12 08:45 
