Workplace Discrimination/Retaliation

[SummerStar]

So, a long while back (over a year) my boyfriend (not at the time) had sex with one of our co-workers. Not against company policy. Only policy on this subject they have is no displays of affection at the workplace.

He doesn't know if she had a boyfriend at the time and didn't tell him, or if she was single and started dating this guy soon after, but he is having a lot of trouble with her now boyfriend (who also works there......maybe they should revise that policy).

This girl and her boyfriend are both supervisors. Me and my boyfriend are entry level employees. Since all this happened, this girl, her boyfriend, and a few of their other supervisor friends have had it out for my boyfriend. He was denied a promotion to supervisor (passed the interview, was told they wanted him to come back and then told not to because those two and another said they would step down if he got promoted), has been given unfair write-ups, (One of their friends lied about something he did and tried to write him up for it, the only reason the write up didn't go through was because two other supervisors were there and backed him up saying it didn't happen. So it went on record she lied about something just to write him up. At a later time, she did the same thing. Lied about what happened and wrote him up, and there was another employee there (entry level like we are) that said it didn't happen, but because he had no supervisors in his corner this time, they accepted it, again, AFTER it is on file she has lied about his behavior before.)

Today though, it has gone too far. Apparently this girl and her boyfriend are saying, presumably to get other supervisors on their side, that he forced himself on her. They aren't spreading this around the building, but word has gotten to who it needs to, and it has created a lot of problems. This happened a few months ago, and it was brought to his attention today, so he went to talk to HR. They said that another supervisor had already brought the matter to their attention. Her boyfriend said "I'm going to be nice to him so he let's his guard down, then try to give him a write up that will get him demoted." (I said entry level, but since we have been there a while and are in good standing are sometimes offered the opportunity to train when needed.)

HR has heard all sides of all stories, these two people are being downright slanderous, and NOTHING IS BEING DONE. The company is ignoring the situation completely. They want it to blow over. They are clearly playing favorites and letting those two get away with whatever. Is there anything we can do? Most of what has happened (aside from the write up being lied about, and the next one from the same person going through) has all been spoken, he-said she-said. Can we go anywhere outside of the company for help?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[GorgeousGeekGirl]

For starters, you and bf want to sit down and write down everything that has happened. Times, dates, who was involved, witnesses, any corroborating documentation. Ask HR for copies of all the write ups. Print up copies of all relevant emails and texts also.


Next, when you say the company is ignoring it, does that mean local office or does it extend to corporate headquarters? If you haven't contacted the mothership yet, do so. (This is of course assuming that there is a mothership and you're not working there. But talk to HR one more time, this time with your documentation. Explain that the personal friction has gotten out of control, and request to work for someone who isn't in the clique as the crazies, including changing shifts as necessary. Document this meeting also, including results, or lack of results and reasons given.

If that doesn't fix it, then take all your documentation to the state labor board. If you actually have to go to the state labor board, count on needing a new job because life is difficult for whistleblowers. You may hear get a lawyer. Find one that normally handles these things by taking a percentage. If instead of wanting a percentage, he tells you fees for handling the case, he probably doesn't think there is any money in it.

All this being said, since you said you are at entry level, the most practical solution is probably find a new job. When talking to HR, volunteer for layoff. Layoff is no big deal as far as your work record. You could probably collect unemployment while job hunting, and once you talk to HR woth a nice thick folder of documentation, they may decide layoff with having you sign nondisclosure agreement is the better option for the company, because nice thick folders do find their way to labor boards, and that's a pain in the ass.

It may sound like the shitheads are going to get away with it, and they might. You need to remember your main concern is doing what's best for you. It's natural to want to see the crappy people pay for their misdeeds, but don't even start down that path, including dont tell everyone about it. Good luck

 

[joelafayette]

.....

 

[njlauren]

Unless this job hold the promise of being the start of a great career, I agree with others, find another job. It may be worth a shot to collect all your evidence, get other supervisors to document what they have seen, and go back to HR and say this is what is going on, these two are colluding to harass me, and what can be done about it, but I wouldn't hold my breath, most HR departments IMO are worthless, the stuff you see in movies about HR departments protecting workers and such is a load of crap in the real world, these days especially most HR people are file clerks they have promoted to being 'HR specialists", and basically what they do is make sure people fill out forms and such. Unless it is something really major, HR departments are going to bury things if they can, and especially with an entry level employee, they aren't exactly going to help much.


Even in relatively labor friendly states filing complaints are difficult, and if you happen to live in Middle America or that foreign country, Texas, you will be shit out of luck to try and file a complaint. Plus it is likely there will be retaliation, and worse, word can spread.

I know it sucks to have a pair of jack asses make your life miserable like that, but trying to get the company or the courts or labor board to solve it is pretty much pissing in the wind, especially these days where the burden of proof has been enlarged to the point where it is almost impossible to get action. If you were in a union, it would be a different situation, but like this, there isn't much you can do.

Plus why would you want to stay at a job that allows two pieces of trash to do this to you like that? They are probably getting their jollies off, maybe the boyfriend is jealous you slept with the girl and wants to make your life miserable, or maybe they see you as a rival, especially if you have half a brain and they are joe and jane buttfuck in the intelligence department.

I would look for another job (I would ask the supervisors who backed you for references), and if you find another job, go to HR and offer to be laid off....you may get some sort of severance, especially if in the unlikely chance they have a conscience, plus have the new job waiting. If you do just quit to take another job, one other piece of advice, if they offer an exit interview, decline it, they are a waste of time and don't think if you go in and lay out your case, it will make a difference.

As far as the assholes go, other people around work will know what they did, and eventually they will mess with the wrong person, someone who does have clout, has a cousin who is a good lawyer, and they will get theirs. It doesn't exactly sound like they are on their way up the food chain, and the best revenge I can think of would be to get out of there, and work your way up the ladder elsewhere.

 

[CBM514]

Either your HR folks are limited in skill or competence of from their perspective they can't "prove" or substantiate your claims and view them as he said/she said...im not sure an outside counsel will be able to advise guy differently since the actions you've described while disturbing are often difficult to show a direct connection between performance management and hostile environment...it may be viewed as a personal dispute and if it is alleged to have happened outside of work they are limited in their options...


But in terms of promotional opportunities, if he was an equally qualified candidate for a promotion and denied it for non work related reasons, he should use your company's compliant procedure and use that approach. Most companies are obligated legally to hire the most qualified person for the position and keep documentation to justify their rationale.

 

[littlecordelera]

First, if I may say something that is completely off topic: You write really well.

Just had to say that.

As for your situation, I don't have any real advice. I sympathize with you and I feel anger that such a thing is going on. People are mean. Outside of strong nuclear families, none of us really care about each other.

I will say this much. Anger and revenge, otherwise known as Real Housewives, always does more harm than good for the revenge seeker. Anger is a cancer. Consider your options carefully, but move forward with ethics as your foundation. It's the only way to maintain your most valuable possession - your self worth.

I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Primalex]

Use a different point of view:
If HR would have believed those allegations, your boyfriend wouldn't work there any longer.


So..

If you go outside though, HR will be pissed off.

If you want to be more offensive:

Go to HR and ask them for advice along the line:"Somehow I don't get along with Mrs. X and her boyfriend, Mr. Y, but all other supervisors are satisfied with my work. I would like to improve the situation, do you have any suggestions?"

 

[MaineFemale]

First, if I may say something that is completely off topic: You write really well.

Just had to say that.

As for your situation, I don't have any real advice. I sympathize with you and I feel anger that such a thing is going on. People are mean. Outside of strong nuclear families, none of us really care about each other.

I will say this much. Anger and revenge, otherwise known as Real Housewives, always does more harm than good for the revenge seeker. Anger is a cancer. Consider your options carefully, but move forward with ethics as your foundation. It's the only way to maintain your most valuable possession - your self worth.

I wish you the best of luck.

"Anger is a cancer." Should be a mantra.