Push to stop growing trend of workplace bullying

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Maybe your boss screams and throws a fit anytime something goes wrong. Or you suffer constant verbal abuse from a co-worker.

 

Workplace bullying can take many forms and a growing number of companies see it as a problem that can sap morale and lead to increased employee turnover.

 

It could become the next major battleground in employment law as a growing number of states consider legislation that would let workers sue for on-the-job harassment that causes physical or emotional harm.

 

More than a dozen states -- including New York and Massachusetts -- have considered anti-bullying laws in the past year.

 

Business groups strongly oppose the measures, arguing they would open the floodgates to frivolous lawsuits.

 

A recent survey found that 56 percent of companies have some kind of anti-bullying policy.