Robert Nobile Quoted in Business Insurance
"Workplace Bullying Threatens Employers"

Robert Nobile was quoted in the Business Insurance article, "Workplace Bullying Threatens Employers," published June 14, 2010. The article reported that employers should prepare for a flood of litigation if states approve anti-bullying bills. According to the article, bullied workers can use existing laws to sue their employers under various causes of action, including: sexual, gender, religious and disability discrimination laws. In addition, employees can seek relief under federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Bob pointed out that several European countries already have anti-bullying laws, and added that he thinks legislation in the United States is "...inevitable."

Bob also noted that there is a gap in the existing laws. For instance, he explained that if there is abusive treatment by a supervisor, “[t]hey don't cover conduct that is not based on one's status in a protected group or class so, in effect, this type of legislation fills that gap.” Bob also commented that this issue can be controlled through the use of effective employer practices and training.