A former foreman at chemical company BASF in Antwerp has been found guilty of workplace bullying, assault and battery, and degrading behaviour. He harassed a young employee for months, including using physical violence. He has been sentenced to 160 hours of community service and a fine of €4,800.
Community service and fine for foreman who subjected young employee to months of bullying
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At the end of 2021, a young employee at BASF went to the police to file a complaint against his foreman, who had begun ridiculing and abusing him shortly after the victim joined the company.
The bullying became increasingly extreme. At one stage, the foreman held a knife to the employee’s throat and pulled a plastic bag over his head. The young man did not report the incidents out of shame and fear of his colleagues’ reactions.
This verdict sends a very clear signal that anyone who has any form of responsibility for colleagues the workplace must behave accordingly
After the complaints were reported, the labour inspectorate launched an investigation into the foreman. He was found guilty on Thursday on all counts: workplace bullying, assault and causing injury with intent, and degrading behaviour. He has been sentenced to 160 hours of community service and a fine of €4,800.
The man had already paid compensation of almost €12,000 to the victim.
“He tried to create the impression that he had been swept up in a kind of group dynamic, but the man was, after all, the foreman, a hierarchical superior,” said Christian Clement, the victim’s lawyer. “This verdict sends a very clear signal that anyone who has any form of responsibility for colleagues in the workplace must behave accordingly.”
John Maes, the former foreman’s lawyer, says he regrets what happened. “He is ashamed, remorseful and is trying to learn from this. He is in therapy and hopes to be able to put this behind him. Community service is the fairest punishment and he will certainly carry it out.”
The man was dismissed from BASF at the time on urgent grounds and has since found work elsewhere. The victim is now 28 and still works at BASF, in a different team.