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[PA] [PA] My employer just threatened me with retaliation if I continue to pursue disciplinary action against a worker he favors. If I resign, will this affect my legal case against him?

I’m a QA Supervisor for a BioPharma company in Pennsylvania. Hostile work environment. Noncompliant workplace with FDA regulations, don’t feel safe at work. I was just threatened with potential retaliation with violence if I continue to pursue disciplinary action against a warehouse worker because he’s a boxer, and the owner likes him because he “does things for the owner,” insinuating I should back off.

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TJ, Esq.
TJ, Esq.

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It’s understandable you want to leave, but resigning can affect your case. Quitting might make it harder to argue “constructive discharge” (that your employer made conditions so intolerable you had no choice but to quit). Immediate resignation might also impact unemployment benefits eligibility.

It doesn’t mean you can’t have a case, but it could change your legal arguments. If possible, speak with an attorney before submitting resignation.

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I’m a QA Supervisor for a BioPharma company in Pennsylvania. Hostile work environment. Noncompliant workplace with FDA regulations, don’t feel safe at work. I was just threatened with potential retaliation with violence if I continue to pursue disciplinary action against a warehouse worker because he’s a boxer, and the owner likes him because he “does things for the owner,” insinuating I should back off.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry to hear about the hostile work environment you’re facing. Have you reported these threats and concerns to HR or any higher management within the company?

I don’t feel comfortable going to the HR department at this company.

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you documented all instances of noncompliance with FDA regulations and the threats made against you for pursuing disciplinary action?

How should I document them?

Lexi

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your documentation.

Yes. How should I proceed?

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

Hello! My name is TJ and I’m an attorney. Thanks so much for the opportunity to assist you! I reviewed what you wrote and I’m about to post my initial answer. 

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

Given what you’ve told me, you’re in a tough spot. It sounds like you’re facing serious issues with your employer, especially with the threats and the concerns about FDA compliance. In a situation like this, it’s important to approach things carefully to protect yourself and your job. There are legal avenues you can explore, but how you proceed depends on the specifics.

Questions for you:

  • Have you previously reported any of these compliance issues to external regulatory bodies?
  • Are there written company policies or handbooks that address reporting noncompliance or workplace threats?

Checking right now for SOPs. I have not reported anything yet to FDA.

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

Thanks for checking on those SOPs. That’s a good step.

Have you noticed if other employees have made similar complaints or expressed concerns about the work environment or compliance issues?

I have emails confirming the noncompliance. My previous boss, the VP of Global Quality, walked out just a few weeks ago for the same reason. The owner is apparently an intimidating person. Everyone here is aware of the nonconformity and issues. I have previous audit findings to confirm.

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

It sounds like you’ve got a strong case with those emails, the previous VP’s departure, and the audit findings. The fact that everyone is aware adds weight to your claims.

The threats of retaliation and hostile work environment could fall under workplace protection laws. If the company is retaliating against you for trying to enforce FDA regulations, that could be whistleblower retaliation. The noncompliance itself is also a serious issue. Your documentation will be crucial if you take further action.

As far as threats of violence, the message was given to me clearly by a senior project manager. I was pursuing progressive discipline for a warehouse associate who is continuously causing errors that could affect patient safety. I was told that won’t happen because the owner likes that warehouse worker since he’s a boxer and “can get things done for him.” What are my next steps here? Are you able to get me in touch with legal counsel?

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

This is serious — a senior manager told you to drop disciplinary action over patient safety because of favoritism. This impacts your ability to do your job and uphold quality standards. It could be part of a hostile work environment and whistleblower retaliation.

Thank you. Last question — I’d like to leave because I no longer feel safe here after today’s encounter. What effect could that have on a potential case? More specifically, I’d like to put my resignation in effective immediately.

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

It’s understandable you want to leave, but resigning can affect your case. Quitting might make it harder to argue “constructive discharge” (that your employer made conditions so intolerable you had no choice but to quit). Immediate resignation might also impact unemployment benefits eligibility.

It doesn’t mean you can’t have a case, but it could change your legal arguments. If possible, speak with an attorney before submitting resignation.

TJ, Esq.

TJ, Esq.

17,778 satisfied customers

TJ, Esq.
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