Threat Of Violence At Work

[Answerprancer]

Today my boss threatened me with physical violence because I hadn't been checking the oil of the company van.
His concern was if the engine seized, then he told me that if it did "I will fire you and I will also thump you".
I thought it was just said out of anger and as a manner of speaking but he backed it up by admitting that he had done it to a former employee.
Advice gratefully received.
The company is quite close-knit (only four active employees) and this took place in my boss's house with no witnesses.

[retrocop]

So at the end of the day you were hoping for us all to say."Yeh go for it there is a big compensashuuun coming to you " Was that the point of this OP? :-)

[ukanonymous]

Answerprancer what job is it you do and what kind of company? I know a lot about employment law as I employ people sometimes on the book and some times off the book. Details please

[Retrochic]

oh for goodness sake! have men become this emasculated? Four men working in manual jobs, one says 'you've forgotten to check the oil -do that again and you'll b* get a thump! And people are genuinely telling you to go to the Police or your Union. its banter . Next time you drive the Company Van remember to check the oil.

[retrocop]

No need to be rude. It is just that I notice "damages" suddenly has crept in to your OP and wondered if this has left you so seriously shocked and traumatised you feel such need for advice.Have you been damaged by all this ?

[Answerprancer]

Retrochic, I'm not sure what kind of picture you are trying to paint but I have a pretty good idea. This is not "banter" the guy meant it and this is the 21st century - your reply smacks of "be a man" and is unwelcome.
I am asking for serious advice not speculation about my machismo or lack thereof.

[-Talbot-]

I have to ask...was the oil light on and if so for how long?

[Answerprancer]

Thanks for this response RC "Have you been damaged by all this?"
I would call be made to feel intimidated in the workplace pretty damaging.

[Answerprancer]

Talbot, no oil light - ever.
He also told me the water was low - I checked and it wasn't, I believe he was looking at the window washer tank!

[-Talbot-]

I was just looking for straight level-headed advice.


ok...it's happened, get over it and get on with your life.

[-Talbot-]

Do you know whether he is a thug or a motormouth?

I can't sympathise because to me 'it's just life' not nice but life is like that sometimes.

[Retrochic]

Ancerprancer . I'm quite aware this is the 21st century I'm also quite aware of the banter on sites. I manage a building firm among other things -I see & hear all sorts that is taken as 'banter' and usually followed up with equally non P.C. replies.. You asked for advice but when its not what you agree with or want to hear then you call people names. Advice -seriously -forget it and make sure you check your oil in future.

[Answerprancer]

I would say he's more of an independent (ie makes the rules up as he goes along) 'disciplinarian' - more 'thug' than 'motormouth'.
He has twice now cited examples of having "done it before" (physically assaulted employees).

[tonyav]

New engines ain't cheap plus the time it would be off the road whilst under repair. Check the oil regularly.

[tamborine]

IF he carried out his threat you know u cud have him for assault. You also have a lonnnng time for revenge. His is an empty threat from frustration at you neglecting his property. You would feel pizd if he damaged your best camera after borrowing it.

Put it down to megalnomania of a boss & work to overwrite him.

[tonyav]

He has twice now cited examples of having "done it before" (physically assaulted employees).


Did they not hit him back ?.

[Answerprancer]

Tony, I have no idea, he followed by saying "...he couldn't walk for a week".
It would be great to hear his side of the story but it'd be impossible to track him down.

[retrocop]

I think this is a load of bull.If your employer had hurt an employee so badly that "he couldn't walk for a week" then I am sure that employee would have spoken to the pollce after such a serious assault.What sort of "man" was this employee? I think your boss is full of bravado and bluff.

[shoota]

It is a conditional threat - he will only thump you if and when the engine seizes, therefore no offence has been committed.

[ukanonymous]

Unfortunately it is indeed your word against his. You could however go to an employment tribunal and they would be more than happy to take your case up. Its a tough call really I mean you wouldn't keep your job very long but then again would you want to? I must say you do sound rather intelligent anyway I am sure you would be able to get a much better job :-)