Two union representatives got in an argument at work. The male rep told the female rep that he was running for president of the local union in the next election. The female rep told him that she had been planning to run. He told her, while pointing a finger in her face, "I could whip you in an election any time, or I could beat you silly right here and now." The female rep walked away, feeling very apprehensive about the male rep's threat. The next day, they discussed union politics again, and the male rep once again stated that he could beat her $"$by votes or by a horse whipping, whichever you prefer." She became very upset, and a few days later brought a civil action against him for assault. Has the man likely committed an actionable assault?

Yes, the male rep made a movement by pointing his finger, and threatening her with offensive imminent contact which she perceived with apprehension.

Yes, the statements of the male rep violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows for civil actions for damages between $$nion members.

No$,$ these were mere political arguments and the kind of heated things that might be said in a political context.

No$,$ any apprehension would be of something too far in the future to constitute a true assault.