Joaquin has been a machinist for Linco Tool and Die, a manufacturer of engine parts for large motors, for 16 years. Lately, more of Joaquin’s parts have been rejected for errors; he seems preoccupied with outside matters—leaving early, asking to take off days beyond sick days allowed. He has missed three work days in 2 weeks, and Jonas, his supervisor, wondered if he smelled alcohol on his breath after lunch yesterday. Jonas hasn’t said anything yet; he doesn’t want to invade Joaquin’s privacy. He thinks Joaquin, who in the past has been cooperative, positive, highly productive, and rarely sick or absent, may just be going through a tough time. Besides, the past month has been difficult because a major shipment required overtime, and all machinists have been asked to work up to 60 hours a week until the shipment is complete.

At lunch, Jonas overhears an argument between Joaquin and a coworker, Elizabeth, each blaming the other for a part being rejected by quality assurance. Joaquin tells Elizabeth to “stay out of his way and his area,” and that “the next time they’ll settle it outside,” poking her in the chest with his finger. Joaquin then slams a $1,250 gauge down on the floor, shouts profanities, and adds, “I don’t care if the part falls off or if this place burns to the ground anymore. I’ve about had all I can take of you and this place! You know my wife left me for my best friend last week, left me with a 2‐year‐old to raise by myself, and my other kid got expelled for possession. It just doesn’t much matter to me what you think, so I’d leave me alone if I were you!”

Jonas headed for the human resource office to figure out what to do. He isn’t sure if it’s a discipline problem, bullying issue, or if Joaquin just violated the workplace violence policy.

Questions: 

1. Is this a discipline problem, bullying, or workplace violence policy? Explain your reasoning. 

2. What should be included in Linco’s workplace violence policy? 

3. Explain several different possible actions that Jonas and the HR department can take regarding Joaquin. Explain the action you believe is the best choice. 

4. Research: Find examples of workplace violence policies and list the common elements of the policies you find.