harrassment at work by a male co-worker

[wdwgrannyb]

I have been putting up with verbal harrassment at work with a male co-worker. He doesn't handle pressure and our boss knows it, but, they take up for him saying he's only trying to be perfect. It's not a large company, it's a family(not my family) owned business.Yet, I have to listen to cussing, yelling, screaming, slamming of telephones and doors and he has even thrown a chair across the floor. Some of this behavior has been wittnessed by others and he has yelled, screamed at others, resulting in our general manager having to call him. My husband wants me to quit, but I am a year and a half away from retirement. Women in our organization are not looked at as equals. I have seen other women be "let go" for causing waves against the men. I have been keeping a journal and copies of things. I guess I am wondering what would you do? I, for now am trying to get through to retirement. Thanks for any hope you might have.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I gave my heart and soul to my previous employer for 10 years, never taking a single sick day and coming in the very next day after some "minor" chest surgery. This company then fired me as I was going through some personal problems. The point I'm trying to make is, don't let your feelings for your employer get in the way of what is making you uncomfortable. The journal you are creating is a good idea. If you are truly upset by what is happening, either speak to the office manager or the boss. If you get no satisfaction from either on, take it higher. Harrassment is a big killer for a lot of businesses. My current firm takes a very strong stance on harrassment of any kind. They don't want to be sued by anyone and go to great lengths to make sure their a** is covered. You should do the same.

Good luck.

 

[doxdogy]

No advice for you, just some hugs.

 

[ducklite]

Keep in mind that if they let you go for "making waves" you can sue for "Age discrimination".

Anne

 

[Pin Wizard]

Document, document, document. As one of my former bosses used to say...if it's not written down, it didn't happen! Personally, I would quit...I don't care how much time I had left. And what's to say they wouldn't find some reason to fire you just prior to your retirement! I couldn't work for a place like that.

 

[Kallison]

I think I would try to stick it out until retirement, but I wouldn't take any crap.

 

[clh2]

OK - let me ask the stupid question here - why do you need to wait 1 1/2 years for retirement? What is the true advantage - is it benefits that aren't available elsewhere like health insurance? Is it a pension pay out? As a family owned company do they have a pension plan? Are you waiting to reach a certain benefit with Social Security?

If I were you - I would list our the reasons to retire now, vs. the reasons to wait. Be very specific on your list. Usually when the reasons for 2 arguments are spelled out - the solution becomes clearer. The reasons on your list can and should be very specific to financial reasons, but don't neglect the quality of life reasons too. (I.e. being able to spend time with grandkids would be a reason to quit now, or doing some volunteer work that you never had time for when you were working - vs. need money to put food on my table and pay the taxes.)


Good Luck!

 

[wdwgrannyb]

First, let me say "Thank you" to those who responded, it sure helps the depressed feelings. Some of my co-workers, went to the boss and told on the guy and what he was doing to me. The boss called me to say he had 10 people make claims on harrasment and he should fire him, but he was going to talk to him that day. After their meeting, the boss called me to say he (the boss) feels he's over worked (this is a slap in the face to other co-workers, as this guy does the least and is now getting out of doing more). For now, he is avoiding me, relief for me! The boss assured me he didn't want to see me leave. The tension is there, but at least he knows he's being watched. I am, for now, going to try and make it to retirement, but I was considering leaving. Thanks again, for letting me vent. Darla