Let's see if we can identify what is, or what is not, a hostile work environment. Take alook at the following hypotheticals: (1) Charlie works in an office that has cubicles. Sally (a coworker who sits in the cubicle next to Charlie) talks loudly, snaps her gum, which Charlie finds very distracting. He has problems concentrating on work as a result. Charlie has asked Sally on numerous occasions to reduce her volume and to stop snapping her gum, but she has refused to do so.

To make matters worse, Sally has nick-names for everyone in the office. Charlie is a larger man, and Sally has given him the nick-name "Charlie-Chubs." Sally has equally offensive nick names for some of her other office mates. Even though Charlie has asked her not to use this nickname - Sally continues to do so.

Is this a hostile work environment? Can Charlie file suit?

(2) Amy works the day shift at a XYZ, a water processing plant. She notices a safety violation at the plant, and brings this to the attention of her manager. Her manager tells her not to worry about it - as no one will probably get hurt. Amy, is concerned, and reports the problem to the regulation bureau. The local regulation bureau fines XYZ, and forces them to correct the safety problem. The manager calls Amy into his office right after the safety inspectors leave the plant. He tells Amy that she will be working the night shift from now on. Amy protests - saying that she can't work nights, as she has small children. The manager tells her that says "too bad. If you don't like it, then quit!"

Does Amy have an action for hostile work environment?