Workplace Wellness and HR Policy

[Rebecca 0]

Hey y'all,

I need a little help on something from the legal / HR types out there.

I'm researching something for someone who is experiencing what I would strongly deem harassment from the supervisor. They are public employees.

Every legal definition I have come across however, qualifies harassment in terms of race, religion, gender, age, and disability, which does not seem to apply.

The two people in question are of similar age, same gender and race and neither is particularly religious.

The harassment IS unwelcome in the form of direct insults, snide comments, constant negation and marginalization. The supervisor also makes a big point of who is and is not included in meetings, and excludes this person. The supervisor makes it loudly known that they "are in with" the next higher-up. This supervisor has flexed power by setting someone up to be fired due to a simple misperception by a higher-up, which they intentionally did not correct.


The person in question feels regularly insulted, threatened, excluded, minimized, and taken advantage of. This person is someone I would hire for their strong integrity, ample qualifications, and enthusiasm for public service.

I'm trying to assess that person's rights and recourse.

(Oh, and not that it matters, but this supervisor is also utterly incompetent and unqualified. I smell a rat, and would not be surprised if the person's work has been passed off as the supervisor's, though I have no proof.)


Any suggestions?

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[tbrown 26]

Find a lawyer who specializes in employee/management labor law. And document everything. Document, document, document. The lawyer will know how to put it together.

By the time a lawyer gets done with this noxious boss, the boss' life will be such a living hell that suicide will be a viable option.

Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity !

[Rebecca 0]

I don't say this lightly, for I tend to have a lot of compassion for people and the shit we all have to deal with in life:

This supervisor is one of the worst forms of human there is. Not a killer, or a rapist, or a thief, but a snake with cold blood who would sell their best friend up the river to impress the high and mighty, who exploits and steps on people to get ahead.

It's subtle, insidious, hard to prove, and toxic.




Thanks for the advice. Documentation is in place and ongoing.

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[Ashtanga 0]

I would recommenbd that the person leaves their job and finds new employment. Nobody wants to be sued or have a lawsuit on their record. There a lot of jobs out there and screw those assholes. They will eventually get what they deserve.

[tigra 0]

I've worked for one of those before- the circumstances you are describing are all too familiar. Senior management was well aware of all the issues surrounding her and did absolutely nothing. They were more afraid of a lawsuit from her (even though it would have been extremely easy to document cause for termination) than they were from any of the employees she harrassed (who they knew weren't the "type" to sue).

Personally, I found it much easier to quit and get a new job than deal with the constant abuse.

[d_squared431 0]

Sounds like your friend needs to go to the big guy in charge and explain what is going on. We had a girl here at my work who thinks she is the one who can play god so to speak. All it took was a few people to go to the boss and then he had a talk with her about how she treats other employees. She has changed and for the better too. More then likely the boss knows how this guy/gal is towards other staff members. There are plenty of jobs out there that will appreciate your friend for her ability and hard work. Why stay some where that treats you like crap.

TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1
I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH
You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly

[Ashtanga 0]

By the way...

I just poked you in the eye again.

[Rebecca 0]

Transfering is the option this person is considering, which I support.

They absolutely do not want to involve legal action, though a lawyer's number is close by, just in case.

I'd rather see a two-birds-one-stone option: transfer and lay it all out, including documentation, in the exit interview.


What sucks is that this person loves the job, is very good at it, yet can't work in a healthy, positive environment because of one lousy boss. This person helps a lot of people, too.

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[Rebecca 0]

Quote

By the way...

I just poked you in the eye again.

Ow. Quit it.


Poked your starfish.

you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk?

[Ashtanga 0]

[skydiverbrian 0]

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Find a lawyer

In most cases, it would be easier and less painful to just find another job.

In a world full of people, only some want to fly... isn't that crazy! --Seal

[wmw999 2,588]

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I'd rather see a two-birds-one-stone option: transfer and lay it all out, including documentation, in the exit interview.

I've seen the nuclear option used once, about 9 years ago. Some people still have that email saved (this one went to everyone). On the other hand, the upper who was dissed ended up being fired, adn the person doing the dissing ended up going to a different company very quickly indeed.

Nevertheless, unless there's a lot of documentation, it's probably not worth it. But it really sucks. Seriously. Because you ahve to have th stomach for that kind of political bullshit, and most good people don't.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)