Hostile work environment?
Question:
In Orlando I work with an individual who has had the upper hand in creating a very hostile environment. When I first started he told me that its us against Tampa. He tried very hard to get me to switch my religion. When I refused and became friendly with the folks in Tampa he has made my life a living hell. Being a contract employee I cannot argue or challenge a GSA employee for fear of being terminated. Keeping that in mind he asks me questions three four times eventhough he knows the answers. He rejects and defaces forms that he has no right to reject. All he ever needs to say the he doesn't agree and does not want to initial my form.
This individual has had a run in with every manager in the service center. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
File a discrimination lawsuit
It sounds like the guy you work with feels threatend, or you are giving off the wrong signals either way the best way to handle this is :
On the forms you fill out while filling them out go to him and say hey you have been doing this longer than i have would you mind showing me the proper way to fill these out.. the religion part well when he brings up religion dont talk about yours let him talk about his and just blow it off if that is not what you believe.
Now as far as the people in tampa, find something that they can be doing better, and when he brings up Tampa say can you believe they do this ... or that.,.. and that way he will feel as if you are on his side and then relax, just tell him to remember the phrase keep friends close and enemys closer... that should drop all the tention in my opinion
Sounds as if you need to look elsewhere. It's obviously your word against his, and you are new and a contract employee while he's been there and known. Of course, you can press it, but I'm not sure it's not better all around for you to find somewhere to work where people like each other rather than get on each other's nerves.
Of course, the best thing would be to speak directly to him, but I understand that might not be possible, and it might not work if you do. Is there anyone at all you can go to? Especially if he is trying to convert you to another religion (a big no no in the workplace) he is definitely in the wrong. Most/all big companies have a Human Resources Department, and they should be able to help you. If you don't document the things he does to you (by going to them) you have no recourse. Especially if they get gov't funding, they will be sensitive to your problem. If you are not willing or able to do that, then it would seem to me you have two choices: contact a lawyer (most will give you a free consultation) and see if there is anything you can do. Be aware, however, that suing your employer will not make you popular, and may make it harder to get or keep a job in the future. Or if things are really that bad, start looking for another job. You may have to accept lower pay, but you might be pleasantly surprised. You might find a job where people treat you well and pay you what you are worth. If enough people under the jerk you described quit, the higher ups will get the message sooner or later. Good Luck!!
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