Hi, I have been working in a husband/wife office for two years. My boss's wife does not like me. She doesnt speak to me. When I try to talk to her she just anawers yes, no but will not keep the conversation going. She blames me for things that are not my fault. She turn things around so she can blame me. She often makes mistakes on my paycheck and promises to correct at next payday and doesnt. I need this job, but I cant take her anymore. My boss is aware that his wife isnt pleasant to me , unfortunatly, she wears the pants in that relationship. Should i contact a labor attorney? has anyone ever taken legal action for discrimination? any advise would be appreciated.
Thank you so much for all your suggestions. You are right I do need to move on. I am starting a job search today.
I agree with the first poster about being paid, but you will need to prove that you were not paid. Try sending things in writing in e-mail if possible. It does not sound like you have a discrimination case though, just a labor law complaint.
Discrimination has to fit within the categories, or Race, religion, national orgin, and gender and you have to be able to prove specific instances of discrimination within these categories.
I Know that jobs are difficult to find in today's economy but I would certainly be looking for a more pleasant work atmosphere if I were you? Think about it, you spend a minimum of 1/3 of your day at work everyday...and if you get 8 hours sleep then you are spending HALF of your waking hours there at work with that unpleasant woman!! Is it really worth it??? I would start putting out job applications NOW....and as soon as you find another job I would tell your boss ( the husband) WHY you are leaving and how his wife has been treating you!!!
As to the pay issues, I would take it up with the husband and tell him that you need it corrected immediately, by having them cut another check to cover the amount that was missed. I also agree with having a paper trail on this, email or something, that proves the pay disputes and whether or not they were addressed.
Track and document anything. There's not much you can do about her attitude or how friendly she is. But if she is blaming you for things (and penalizing you) that you didn't do, or if she is not correcting pay mistakes, then you want the documentation. Keep careful track of your hours (down to more specific than she does) and keep your check stubs. If there is a mistake, insist that she write you a check for the difference, not wait till next payday. And document all conversations regarding this.
If/when you decide to seek legal action, you will need all this documentation. And, probably be ready to job hunt at that point, too.
I agree with the others - unfortunately being a bi*ch isn't against the law. You should start documenting your pay issues. Instead of going in and talking with her, send her an email. Start with one that clearly summarizes the issues you've had so far that haven't been fixed and what she committed to do about it. Save the emails, and her responses. Save your pay stubs and your schedules or time cards.
Plus, I'd start looking for another job, honestly. I know this is a bad job market, but you never know what may happen. There's nothing wrong with taking a look at what's out there and giving it a try. Good luck.
If you have worked and not been paid for it then you have a legitimate complant and should contact the labor department. However the burden of proof that you were never paid for that time will be on you.
I would keep the job for the amount of time it takes for you to find something else.
M.
I hate to say this but she is jealous of you, my sister had that same situation. Get out it will never change, good luck. Annie
I agree with the others - the only illegal action is that you are not getting paid correctly. That is handled through the DOL. Now, they are not supposed to retaliate against you if you file a complaint, but I imagine it would become even worse there should you do so. Unfortunately, being a b*tch is not against the law. I would suggest maybe talking to the husband and maybe suggest that you'll be filing a complaint unless you are paid fully and completely what is due to you.
Good luck.
I would start looking for another job. I know the job market is kinda of crazy, but your are not being treated fairly. And the simply fact, that the Boss is aware of the treatment you are receiving and saying nothing is unacceptable. Let's not mention, the mistakes in your paycheck. Try to find you some other employment and leave Mr and Mrs.
I've worked in an environment like that and I know it is hell. Every day was torture. I feel for you. I would start looking for a new job as soon as possible and leave that unhealthy environment behind.
When I finally had a new job, I couldn't believe why I stuck with that job for almost a year without at least trying to find something else.
Good luck!
For the short amount that you have writen, it doesn't sound like you have any type of legal grounds other than your paychecks being incorrect. In that case I would contact your State Dept. of Labor. However, in doing so your employer will probably find an excuse to terminate your employment.
I would begin documenting everything. What the mistakes are on the paycheck, when you brought it to her attention, when it was fixed. Anything that she says that's inappropriate, what she said and when and the circumstances behind it. After you have all this information, then you may want to consider calling an attorney.
In the meantime, start sending out your resume and looking for another job. Things will never improve at this one.
You might have the bite the bullet and get another job. It's not worth your mental health to stay there where you are miserable because of the way you are being treated. You might not get far with an attorney without any real proof.
