Employers Could Be Liable For “Workplace Bullying”
A new bill in the Wisconsin Legislature would make employers liable for “workplace bullying.” Jack Zemlicka of the Wisconsin Law Journal describes the legislation:
Currently, workers’ compensation is typically the exclusive remedy for an employee with a claim against an employer. But Assembly Bill 894 provides that an employee can sue over an abusive work environment and potentially recover medical expenses, back pay, front pay, compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages and attorney fees.
This bill even has its own website, which describes the bill as part of a “movement.” Thankfully, none of the states to which the “movement” has spread have gone so far as to accept the proposal.
Since 2003, 17 states have introduced similar proposals, but none have passed, according to the office of Rep. Kelda Roys, a sponsor of the Wisconsin legislation.
If you’re an employer, keep your eyes on this one. This could be full-time employment for plaintiff and defense lawyers alike.
Argument image courtesy Francis Carnauba’s flickr gallery through this creative commons license.
