Employment abuse (Verbal abuse at Workplace)

Posted Mon, Jun 30, 2025 4:55 PM

Good day, and thank you for reaching out. I'm sorry to hear what your boyfriend is experiencing. Workplace verbal abuse is a serious issue that can affect a person’s health and career, and it’s important to handle it correctly — especially when internal systems like HR fail to take action.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for what your boyfriend can do in Trinidad and Tobago under the current legal and administrative framework:

Document Everything

He should start by recording all incidents of verbal abuse:

Date, time, and place

What exactly was said or done

Witnesses (if any)

How it affected him (emotionally, physically)

Even audio recordings (if legally allowed), emails, or messages can be helpful. This builds proof.

Report the Matter in Writing

Even if HR ignored a verbal complaint, he should now:

Send a formal written complaint via email or letter to HR.

CC to higher authorities: such as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education or the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO).

Clearly state the events, impacts, and his request for protection or investigation.

Seek Union Support (if unionized)

If he's a union member, he should report the abuse to his union representative. Many government workers are covered by unions in Trinidad and Tobago — and they often have experience handling cases of supervisor misconduct.

Get Medical or Psychological Support

If his health is affected:

He should see a doctor or psychologist and obtain medical reports or sick leave certificates that document stress, anxiety, etc.

These records strengthen his legal position and protect his employment.

File a Formal Grievance or Complaint

In Trinidad and Tobago, he can take these further steps:

Ministry of Labour (Conciliation Unit): Can handle complaints about unfair treatment or unsafe working environments.

Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC): If the abuse is linked to discrimination (e.g., gender, ethnicity, disability).

Ombudsman: Since this involves a public official (a principal) and a public worker, the Ombudsman may also accept complaints about injustice or abuse of authority in government institutions.

Consider Legal Action (as a last resort)

If nothing improves, consult with international lawyers to explore:

A constructive dismissal claim (if he feels forced to resign),

A damages claim for mental distress,

Or protective injunctions if the abuse is ongoing and dangerous.

Important Notes:

Do not resign without proper legal advice.

If the abuse continues after official complaints, this strengthens his claim of employer negligence.

Remain professional and not retaliate verbally or physically.