Trouble at work

[Luternau]

I recently reported some misdemeanours at work involving a manager. (don't want to say more than this). Almost immediately after this, word reached me informally that I could be facing suspension arising out of this matter. The person that put the word out is the same person named by me, and is a very senior manager. Naturally I feel intimidated.

Looking for some advice. Our company policy on disciplinary matters indicates a process that must be followed before suspension. Spreading word of possible disciplinary matters involving me seems designed to intimidate me and make me have second thoughts about matters.

Is this bullying and if so what should I do?

 

[redbhoy]

Get onto your Union or ring a Union for advice.

 

[Complainer]

It is not bullying, but it is a big problem. You should probably go back to whoever you reported the misdemeanors to, and let them know about the rumours. Find out from them what is happening.

Have you put anything in writing?

 

[Luternau]

Get onto your Union or ring a Union for advice.

Thanks. There is no union. Will ring one to see what they say.

It is not bullying, but it is a big problem. You should probably go back to whoever you reported the misdemeanors to, and let them know about the rumours. Find out from them what is happening.Have you put anything in writing?

Thanks. I have made a written complaint. No action has been taken on foot of this at this stage. There must be someone looking out for the manager and the message was targeted to reach me from this person immediately.
I have spoken to the person that told me about my possible suspension. They were stunned at the approach.
What do you mean by big problem? Apart from the obvious intimidation-are there laws being broken here. Should I speak to a solicitor about this?

 

[BONDGIRL]

i have no advice but I have seen this TIME and TIME again in a big bank where I used to work.... no "normal" worker had a chance with the big fish...

 

[Complainer]

Thanks. There is no union.

Small clarification - I guess you mean that there is no union recognised by management.

Will ring one to see what they say.

They might well say 'why didn't you join a union before you had problems'. It's a bit like trying to get car insurance AFTER the crash.

I have spoken to the person that told me about my possible suspension. They were stunned at the approach.

I'd suggest you speak again to whoever you gave the written report to, and make them aware of the situation. Call the bluff of the person making the threats. Ask specifically if you are going to be suspended.

What do you mean by big problem? Apart from the obvious intimidation-are there laws being broken here. Should I speak to a solicitor about this?

The big problem is that someone may well have decided that either you go or they go. They may be trying to get rid of you. I'm not aware of any specific laws being broken at this stage. I don't see much value in getting a solicitor involved now, unless you feel that your job is under immediate threat. Keep careful notes of what happened when, and who said what to whom, so that you can involve a solicitor later if required.

 

[Sunny]

What do you mean 'put the word out'? From how many sources did you hear this rumour that you were going to be suspended?

 

[Mpsox]

I'm assuming in all of this that your complaint against the manager, for whatever he has done, is a legitimate and serious issue.

I'm a bit confused as to who actually told you that you would be suspended, was it the person who made the complaint, or someone else?

Either way, you can't do much at this stage unless the company formally kicks off a disciplinary process. It's possible that the person who made the complaint against you is simply trying to intimidate you to withdraw the complaint or into resigning.

As a previous poster said, keep detailed writen notes of everything that is said to you regarding this issue, in addition, try and make sure that if this manager speaks to you informally on this, that you either have a witness present or simply tell him you are refusing to discuss the matter.

 

[Latrade]

It depends on what the misdemeanours you reported were. If they are company procedural affairs or ethical business affairs and even some criminal matters, then IIRC there is no "whistleblower" protection for employees.

There are some circumstances where there is a protection from "penalisation" (i.e. suffering a detriment as a result of an action or reporting), but these are very limited.

 

[Luternau]

Thanks for all the posts. Please note there is only so much I can say as I want to keep this as generic as possible. The matter is serious and the manager has refused to address the matter before now.

I'm a bit confused as to who actually told you that you would be suspended, was it the person who made the complaint, or someone else?

Word was 'put out' by person complained of to another employee to tell me to be carefull. They let on they were acting in my best interests and said my suspension was being considered for refusing to do something (I had to refuse to do it or else I could be the fall guy) and to prevent my suspension I should consider matters very carefully. This person had no reason to know what was going on and it was wrong to discuss my employment with them-how wrong I dont know.

As it is, I am told that suspension has not been discussed nor is it on the cards. Nonetheless, I am annoyed and upset that they would do this in the first place and secondly that my employment is being discussed outside of the normal channels. How much leverage do I have on the intimidation matter?

I have documented everything and will see where it goes.

 

[pinkyBear]

Hi there, I think you need to be very careful (as you are doing), document everything (as you are doing). But I would be assertive too, make your colleagues know that you will not be scapegoated.

I have a friend that was going through a rough time, she was getting very intimadating emails to boot. She got a terrible email from her manager, which was CC'd company wide. She sent an email back to her manager challanging the tone of his email. They had words, her manager apologised and has been very careful since.
P..