can a company get in trouble for this?
Asked by GB
I been working for a company(Construction company as a concrete laborer), all the guys that work there are all older than me. I’m only 18. So sometimes they are kind of in a way mean to me.First Day I got there some guy said the “N” word. And I would put on my knee paid, and they would be like well boy we all see your trying for a arise. But yesterday, I felt really out of place. I went to the bathroom and came back. And they made a really crappy. The guy that was in charge made a joke(that would offend any African Amer.). And knowing that I’m the only African American there even made it worst. Everyone is laughing, and the only thing I could do is just walk away. The boss and the supervisor wasn’t there, because they was on vacation. But the person who the supervisor put in charge, was the one who made the joke. Only one of the guys struck up for me and told him it wasn’t right for him to say that. They just continue to laugh. Well I turned around and walked away. Could this company get in trouble or possible sued for making remarks that would offend a African American? I’m just about sick of all the crap. When I wake up in the mornings and knowing I have to deal with them from 5-5 all day kind of don’t make me want to go in. But I have to because I have a life and things need to be taken care of. and i cant complain to anyone, becasue that would make it even worst. Sometimes....that 5-5 kills me...it seems like it take forever for the day to end.

Best Answer:
Construction workers are not the most politically correct people on earth. Can they be sued? Yes. Will you be "set for life"? Probably not. Will your working life be made into a living hell? Yes. And please do not think I am defending these idiots, or agreeing with them, because I'm not. The reality of the situation is that, these guys are just good old-fashioned, red-necked, bullies. They are looking for a rise from you. They WANT and need for the things they say to visibly bother you so that you quit, and "prove" to them that they were right all along. I would bet that no matter your skin color, they would be picking on and bullying the new "kid" on the crew, just the way guys like this think. Quit reacting, start laughing (even if it did offend you) and stick around awhile. The comments and ribbing WILL eventually stop if you prove to them that you are a hard-worker and one of the "guys". Soon you will see that the next new guy is the one being picked on and then it will be up to you to either defend him, or leave him hanging out to dry. Same thing happened to me when I went to work in a "male-dominated" industry. The words those guys used to try and upset me and run me off were degrading and disgusting. But I showed them by learning how to do the job better than any of them. After I gained their respect by beating them, I then started demeaning them in the same way, it soon all stopped. Good luck, it's always tough being the new kid on the job.

Report it it's illegal m8 Take a small digicorder to work and keep it in your pocket then when they give you the racism it's on tape!
Answered by James Bondage

Get into trouble isn't the word! The courts go MENTAL over racial abuse and harassment. Get some proof that this is happening and then get legal advice. This is totally unacceptable and the company will be in real serious turd if you can prove it's happening. Plus, you'll get lots on money, which should help you feel less bad about it.
Answered by Lee

Yes it is racial discrimination, and if you get a good lawyer, You could be set for life.... Get a lawyer and tell him you are afraid to go work because you don't know what they will do next...
Answered by CAPTAIN_DEMPSEY

Yes. What they are doing is illegal. Will that change how they behave. No. Probably not. And complaining usually makes you out to be the bad guy: Kill the Messenger: is what normally happens and that's you. They'll find some lame-a-- reason to let you go. If I were you, I'd start looking for a better construction company to work for and just leave. Then, when you're setup some place else, you can go to the EEOC and make a formal complaint. The State's Attorney General's Office handles protection of Civil Rights and will go after the bosses for this for you. You don't have to hire private counsel. The state will be your attorney!! * I'm sure the bosses know these 'good 'ole boys' talk like the rednecks they are. The 'n' word is a dead give away. You should not have to work where you suffer such indignities!! Stay on DL till you find another job. God Speed.
Answered by Sara S

Sorry to hear that you are going though such troubles at work but this is reality. People said that things changed but $hit like this still goes on. Its hard to say but you need to carry yourself higher than them, and whatever you do "do not slash out at them" that what they what. You will probably experience this in life more in the years to come. Just be strong and keep your head up!
Answered by sweetie