Workplace Bullying Legislation - HB 2142
and SB 6622
HB 2142 and SB 6622
propose to allow workers to sue their employer if they feel that the employer
engages in or allows workplace bullying in their business workplace. Workplace bullying is defined as, “conduct of an employer or employee in the
workplace, with malice, that a reasonable person would find hostile, offensive,
and unrelated to an employer's legitimate business interests. In considering
whether abusive conduct is present, a trier of fact
should weigh the severity, nature, and frequency of the conduct. Abusive
conduct may include, but is not limited to, repeated infliction of verbal abuse
such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets; verbal or
physical conduct that a reasonable person would find threatening, intimidating,
or humiliating; or the gratuitous sabotage or undermining of a person's work
performance. A single act normally will not constitute abusive conduct, unless
especially severe and egregious.”
You can view a copy of HB 2142 by clicking on the following link HB 2142 - 2007-08 You will need a pdf reader program on your computer to view HB 2142 and you can click on the following link to install a FREE pdf reader program on your computer http://www.ibaw.net/pdf/
IBA urges you to contact your legislators and express serious concerns about this legislation. Below is a sample letter that you can also use as the basis of a phone call. You can identify your legislators via the Internet at www.ibaw.net/findleg, or by calling 1-800-562-6000.
Sample Letters To Your Representatives
Month xx, 2008
The Honorable ____________
House of Representatives
Re: HB 2142 – Workplace Bullying
Dear Representative _________:
As a small business owner from ____city name_______, I urge you to oppose HB 2142. This legislation allows employees to sue their employer if the employee feels that they are a victim of workplace bullying. There are many problems with this legislation including but not limited to:
§ The definition of workplace bullying is very vague and unclear. Thus it will very difficult for a small employer to attempt to comply with and will put them in constant jeopardy.
§ There is already an existing state law prohibiting an employer from having a “hostile work environment” under the state’s discrimination law. The proposed workplace bullying will be on top of that law. No one has demonstrated that the current law is insufficient.
§ HB 2142 will allow vindictive employees to threaten their employer with a lawsuit based on workplace bullying and force the employer to spend thousands of dollars to defend himself even if he did nothing wrong.
Please oppose HB 2142.
Please advise us of your position on HB 2142.
Thank you,
Sign your name
Print your name
Business name (optional)
Mailing address
City, WA Zip
Phone number (optional)
Sample Letters To Your Senator
Month xx, 2008
The Honorable ____________
Re: SB 6622 – Workplace Bullying
Dear Senator _________:
As a small business owner from ____city name_______, I urge you to oppose SB 6622. This legislation allows employees to sue their employer if the employee feels that they are a victim of workplace bullying. There are many problems with this legislation including but not limited to:
§ The definition of workplace bullying is very vague and unclear. Thus it will very difficult for a small employer to attempt to comply with and will put them in constant jeopardy.
§ There is already an existing state law prohibiting an employer from having a “hostile work environment” under the state’s discrimination law. The proposed workplace bullying will be on top of that law. No one has demonstrated that the current law is insufficient.
§ SB 6622 will allow vindictive employees to threaten their employer with a lawsuit based on workplace bullying and force the employer to spend thousands of dollars to defend himself even if he did nothing wrong.
Please oppose SB 6622.
Please advise us of your position on SB 6622.
Thank you,
Sign your name
Print your name
Business name (optional)
Mailing address
City, WA Zip
Phone number (optional)