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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    18

    Default What to Do if You're Harassed by a Co-Worker

    My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Ohio

    Sorry in advance if I jump around too much. I work for a company with a small (20ppl) workforce at the location where I work. The company has hundreds of employees. I had been working 3rd shift, but because of constant berating and constant badgering by another employee, "Bob" (not his real name), management chose to move me to a "covering vacation schedule". On numerous occasions, I had to take my Ativan (a prescribed anxiety medication) to be able to get through the shift with Bob. There was one day that it started out so bad, that I needed a double dose (within the rx parameters) of my Ativan early in the shift. I had to leave early because of the side effects. I really don't like having to take my Ativan, because at that point, I have lost control. When not covering a vacation, I work 2nd shift.

    Regardless, I still have to deal with "Bob" daily. I have complained numerous times about Bob's interactions with me. At first they got the union rep involved. The union rep and management talked with Bob. All this while I was still on 3rd shift with Bob. Things got better for a short while. I even started going out of my way to be "pleasant" with Bob. Bob eventually went back to his old ways. I complained to my manager again, asking who I needed to go to, above him, to handle this, since he couldn't/hadn't handled/fixed the problem. He referred me to the union rep. I chose not to push it, and just tried to deal with it. Unfortunately, Bob continued with with his constant berating, badgering, and yelling at me, and no, Bob is not a supervisor of any kind. I have gone out of my way, to be nice to this guy, to keep him off my back. To no end, Bob still acts the same way. I know, by the way other employes react to me sometimes, that Bob is spewing his ire, to other employees.

    Lets make it known that Bob is the only one that has issues with me. Everyone else is pleased, or at least content with my work performance. It has gotten to the point that when Bob gives me any grief, I throw it right back at him. I'm done being his punching bag. It is making everyone uncomfortable. Now his rants have started to include "old man", as part of his jabs at me. I am almost 50, to his 25ish(?). Tonight he had me to the point that I was tempted to just haul off and knock the crap out of him. I didn't, though I really wanted to. I like and enjoy the job, but I am REALLY tired of having to deal with this stuff on a daily basis.

    What are my options, short of quitting? Do I have grounds to file a harassment suit against the company?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Somewhere near Canada
    Posts
    35,894

    Default Re: Constant Workplace Harassment

    Being an obnoxious jerk isn't illegal and your employer isn't responsible for the Bob's idiocy I'm afraid.

    Because you mention union, that's really where you should aim your questions.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Posts
    1,142

    Default Re: Constant Workplace Harassment

    Quickly go to your union rep and your HR and mention the pattern, your frequent complaints, the escalation, the "old man" comments. Indicate to him that if the company and the union cannot provide you with a safe and balanced workplace, where this discriminatory behavior is not tolerated, you are going to think of consulting someone about your EEOC grievance. Have you spoken with your HR as well as your union rep? You need to go above your manager. He sounds ineffective. You have consulted someone, you've consulted us, you know.

    Please, do not dream of physical retaliation against Bob. This would get you fired, even if it got him fired as well. And this is never worth it. It gives an idiot with a mouth far too much power over your life.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    in alto mare
    Posts
    1,123

    Default Re: Constant Workplace Harassment

    I'd take stop interacting with him at all unless absolutely necessary for the task. I know it's tough to do, but just pretend he's a fly on the wall. Any non-work, non-necessary comments from him should get no reaction, no comment, not even a glance from you. Freeze him out. It'll bug him to death. Practice it with a friend. I don't give a-holes the time of day unless I have to and neither should you. When you react to him, you are giving him what he wants- attention and amusement. Don't give it to him.

    You're going to run into jerks and bullies everywhere you go so it's good practice to help you grow a thicker skin. Meanwhile keep documenting and talking to your union.

    Lastly don't retaliate. He may want that with the hopes of getting you fired, and even arrested. Why give him that present? Give him your silence.

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