Some State lawmakers are considering legislation that would give workers grounds to sue their bosses for being jerks. New Jersey’s bill would give workers the right to sue for as much as $25,000 if their superior created “an abusive work environment”. California is also trying to revive a similar bill that died in committee in 2003. Of course there is no definition or guidance as to what an “abusive” environment might be.
Jerk bosses have been around since there were bosses. The legal system is already jammed with frivolous lawsuits, and this would only add to the number. There are obviously some ridiculous bosses out there, and plenty of horror stories, but I’m sure the majority of lawsuits would come from the “It's not my fault I spilled coffee on myself” crowd.
I think it is a good idea - so long as bosses can sue their employees for abject incompetance - "My boss is a jerk!" - "I'm a jerk because your are so ignorant and lazy."
ReplyDelete