Manager threatened my job/hours

[Moly Noe]

I live In Florida. Currently working for a very large corporation as a server/bartender. I went to a local bar/restaurant with co-workers and one of my managers was there. I spent around 20-30 minutes around him and others then went outside. I was talking with some other people outside and when I came in to pay he told me that I was an embarrassment and a loser and that he was going to fire me/reduce my hours. I have known for some time he had an interest in dating me 9he was never aggressive) but I made it clear I wanted only a professional relationship. I left immediately after this confrontation. Through text he continued to berate me and call me names and repeatedly called me a c-word. I scheduled a meeting with GM and head of HR the next day to tell them what happened. This manager has a history of anger issues, documented, and actively tries to force out or fire employees because he doesn't like them, also documented. I have now lost 4 shifts (the GM told me this would happen until they figure this out) because this manager has been working. What rights do I have in this state and should I just look for a new job?

 

[eerelations]

I think it's way too early to start job-hunting.

You may have a valid claim with the EEOC for sexual harassment/discrimination. However, if you file said claim now, the EEOC will ask you what your employer did as a result of its investigation. Since the investigation has apparently just started, you won't have an answer for this question.

I reco you give HR and the GM a chance to "figure this out" (i.e., complete their investigation). When that's done, report back to us about what happened, and we can provide you with options about what to do next (if anything).

 

[cbg]

Agree absolutely with the above. You have options but the best options available to you depend on what your HR and GM do. Let us know the results and we'll go from there.

 

[Shadowbunny]

And document every interaction you have with him. Save text messages, social media posts, everything. If it's verbal, make a note of it, including time, date, and witnesses.

 

[Moly Noe]

HR just told me that I would be reimbursed for the hourly pay I lost for the 3 shifts. Received a text from the manager that he was sorry for what he said to me the other night and he hopes we can be cordial at work. I did not text him back. We are not friends on social media.
If we are in a workplace where we are already recorded (visably) is there still an expectation of privacy or is it okay to record conversations?

 

[LdiJ]

HR just told me that I would be reimbursed for the hourly pay I lost for the 3 shifts. Received a text from the manager that he was sorry for what he said to me the other night and he hopes we can be cordial at work. I did not text him back. We are not friends on social media.
If we are in a workplace where we are already recorded (visably) is there still an expectation of privacy or is it okay to record conversations?

Its not so much the recording of the conversations as it is what you do with them. Recording to help you remember what was said until you can write it down is no big deal. Using the recording for any other purpose would be a big deal.

 

[cbg]

I haven't checked your state to see under what circumstances you are able to make recordings, but even if it should prove that you were able to do so without violating the law, your employer could still prohibit it and make it stick. It sounds as if your HR is on top of things so leave the idea of recording alone for now. You could end up winning the battle and losing the war.

 

[quincy]

Its not so much the recording of the conversations as it is what you do with them. Recording to help you remember what was said until you can write it down is no big deal. Using the recording for any other purpose would be a big deal.

What I have bolded above is actually not true.

In two-party consent states - and Florida is a two-party consent state - it is the act of recording without consent that is illegal, regardless of what you do with the recording.

Recording in-person conversations can be legal if there is no expectation of privacy on the part of the party recorded, however.

That said, I agree with cbg. A surreptitious recording seems an unnecessary risk.

 

[Moly Noe]

Update: I was told that a decision would be made before my return (I'm on vacation) on Wednesday. I haven't been told what time yet. If I do get let go do I have the right to ask for the manager's statement? I emailed my statement the day of my meeting with the GM and HR. Next week's schedule is out and I'm not on it.

 

[cbg]

Do you have the right to ask? Yes, you are legally permitted to ask.

Does the law require that you be given a copy of the manager's statement if you ask for it? No, the employer is legally free to refuse your request.

 

[Chyvan]

Next week's schedule is out and I'm not on it.

If your employer doesn't put you on the schedule when your vacation is over, be sure to file for unemployment. Many people think they have to be told they are fired before they apply. All it really takes is for your employer not to let you work and being excluded from the schedule is a classic move.