Hostile Work Environments Need Basis Of Discrimination
In Illinois the basis for the hostile work environment needs to be some form of discrimination. Usuallly a claim of sexual harassment will form the basis of the hostile work environment. There is no such thing as general harassment in Illinois so it isn't enough if the boss is just a jerk and yells at you. The pool treatment needs to be based on some form of protected category like gender, race, age, national origin, etc. I know this doesn't sound fair or right but in Illinois it is the law. The legislature tried to pass a general harassment type law called the bullying law but it did not pass earlier in the year--so write your legislator if you want it passed.
Many times even though it may seem like the boss is just a jerk, he may be picking on you because he didn't like females or minorities. It is very important to speak with an employment attorney early on so that you can learn your rights and how best to proceed. In Chicago there are many options for someone who is the victim of discrimination. I believe the best option is to make a plan and to try and obtain as much evidence as possible before doing anything. Remember that the call to my office is free and it is better to get an opinion than to go it alone. The company has people working on their behalf so should you.
