txbookman1
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Alabama
5 days ago I left a departmental meeting early. I motioned my director into the hallway and explained I could not stay. He assured me it was okay to leave. Before I could, he began to address problematic behavior on the part of management I had discussed with him on two earlier occasions. During the discussion, he became very irate and started yelling at me to "Shut up! Shut up!". When I continued talking, he forcibly grabbed my right forearm, squeezing for 7-10 seconds. No physical harm was done, but I was shocked that he resorted to getting physical. I then yelled for him to take his hand off me. After several demands, he did so, apologizing.
The only witness to this incident was his manager, who wrote a statement of what he heard, which was only the final moments of the confrontation, after my arm was released. Of course, the statement only addresses my behavior; not his superior's.
Today I was given a written disciplinary warning accusing me of "disorderly conduct" that goes into my personnel file. A second manager was called in to witness the discussion. The director told his side of the story: I was the one who became irate; I was the one who raised my voice; he didn't grab me, but only laid the palm of his hand gently on my arm in an effort to calm me down. When I attempted to speak, he interrupted so many times I gave up.
At my request, I'm scheduled to meet with the hotel's general manager and HR director in 2 days. Neither have been favorable to me in the past. Since Alabama is a Hire-At-Will state, I fully expect to be fired during this meeting. Should I attend? Should I file a "simple battery" charge against the director? Since this is basically a "he said/he said" case with no physical evidence, should I forget the whole thing?
If I file charges, must I pay for a lawyer or may I choose to use a court-appointed lawyer?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'm at a loss as to what to do. The workplace is definitely hostile and I know I can't remain, but I'm still outraged that a supervisor would speak to a subordinate in such a disrespectful tone of voice and lay hands on me.
Thanks.
5 days ago I left a departmental meeting early. I motioned my director into the hallway and explained I could not stay. He assured me it was okay to leave. Before I could, he began to address problematic behavior on the part of management I had discussed with him on two earlier occasions. During the discussion, he became very irate and started yelling at me to "Shut up! Shut up!". When I continued talking, he forcibly grabbed my right forearm, squeezing for 7-10 seconds. No physical harm was done, but I was shocked that he resorted to getting physical. I then yelled for him to take his hand off me. After several demands, he did so, apologizing.
The only witness to this incident was his manager, who wrote a statement of what he heard, which was only the final moments of the confrontation, after my arm was released. Of course, the statement only addresses my behavior; not his superior's.
Today I was given a written disciplinary warning accusing me of "disorderly conduct" that goes into my personnel file. A second manager was called in to witness the discussion. The director told his side of the story: I was the one who became irate; I was the one who raised my voice; he didn't grab me, but only laid the palm of his hand gently on my arm in an effort to calm me down. When I attempted to speak, he interrupted so many times I gave up.
At my request, I'm scheduled to meet with the hotel's general manager and HR director in 2 days. Neither have been favorable to me in the past. Since Alabama is a Hire-At-Will state, I fully expect to be fired during this meeting. Should I attend? Should I file a "simple battery" charge against the director? Since this is basically a "he said/he said" case with no physical evidence, should I forget the whole thing?
If I file charges, must I pay for a lawyer or may I choose to use a court-appointed lawyer?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'm at a loss as to what to do. The workplace is definitely hostile and I know I can't remain, but I'm still outraged that a supervisor would speak to a subordinate in such a disrespectful tone of voice and lay hands on me.
Thanks.