Is calling her names harassment? 09-08-2008

My wife works at an upscale restaurant with a manager that uses an obscene amount of profanity and often murmurs racial or derogatory comments to her about employees and customers alike. He used to greet her each day by saying "Hi Bitch" until she confronted him as well as notifying another manager and said she did not appreciate that word. Now he greets her with "Hi, Bitch, oh you don't like that, I meant whore or c-nt" He views this all as joking around and since he is from New York that's how they talk. She does not find any of this funny at all. At times she has come home in tears as this has continued for several months. Is this a hostile environment or harassment?

Rita Risser Replies:

Yes, this is definitely illegal harassment, even in New York! You say she notified a manager. Then what happened? Nothing! You say she has two months of documentation. She should take it to the top person in the restaurant and file a complaint. If it doesn't stop immediately, go to the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state fair employment commission.

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