Re: Thank you

Then that secy does have some avenues of redress:

- Is she being bullied in a way that singles her out? IOW, is she the oldest staffer, or the only staffer of color, etc? Then the abuse becomes discriminatory.

- She should ask her union local to see if the misbehavior has violated the existing labor agreement--then she can file a grievance. Or, if it's really egregious, it can be classified as an unfair labor practice. She should also consult a labor law atty if all else fails.

She's likely lost hope b/c of mgt's misdeeds. I know b/c it happened to me too. I was singled out b/c of physical disabilities that required surgical intervention, and I was denied leave and accommodation. I got lucky, though: the supvr was a crook, I caught and "outed" him, and he's no longer in place.

Not that others didn't try to remove me, despite over 20 yrs of exemplary federal service. But I knew how to defend myself. I was just unlucky enough to get old, good work notwithstanding...

Re: Thank you

You evidently feel sympathy for this worker. Many times I've been in a situation where if just one person would corroborate what I've said, it would've meant everything. Perhaps you could at least offer testimony on her behalf or even file a hostile workplace suit. Sometimes people need someone to stand up for them. You could be the one.

Re: Thank you

And before you or anyone steps up to the plate, remember:

Any time you take a stand to defend yourself or help someone else, expect consequences. Forget about promotions b/c it won't happen. Just remember that if this is happening to you, you aren't getting promoted anyway, so you may as well pursue the matter.

Your wkg r'ships will likely change, and it 's a good way to find out which co-workers "have your back" (if any, b/c I know I don't).

It can get ugly, b/c even if the slime is a bona-fide bully and incompetent, mgt will protect him/her b/c, incompetent or not, he's/she's THEIR incompetent bully so they're obligated to stand by them.

And remember that there's more than 1 way to win. No matter which redress you take--grievance, complaint, ULP--SOMEthing will change as a result. It'll take time, but if you can hang tough and assess the Big Picture, you'll see the truth of that statement in due time.

Re: Bullying

At least you have taken some recourse. Take it from me, I worked with someone like this, he was eventually canned. This guy's time will come. Same stupid arrogant crap--thinking that just because he is the "manager" he can change agency policy like what is allowed on desks or break times. He doens't have the right or the authority to even make those claims...unless, of course, it is obscene or it interferes with your work.

Re: Bullies

I can't speak for every agency but I can for the FS union. There are good reps out there. I became a very educated one as a result of my own experiences. I've had some real winners for supervisors. Learn your rights! Read the Master Agreement. With the internet you can locate a good rep in your region. Document, include witnesses. Documentation can go a loooong ways in defending yourself. Empower yourself so you can feel in control. Use the EAP program. Don't let the bully win at their game. There are good supervisors out there. It's not all bad!

Re: WORKPLACE BULLYING

I TOTALLY identify with what you're saying. I, too, had a supervisor who bullied me, harassed me, and fit nearly every example. She tried to get me fired by lying, which was something I never expected. Since then, I've become very paranoid and it interferes with what I do. The worst part is, I got a reputation that is with me still. My self-confidence has been shattered and I can't wait to retire.

Re: WORKPLACE BULLYING

I, too, totally identify. Though not at my current agency, I had a supervisor who bullied me, lied about my work in front of our superiors and coworkers (with me in the meeting) to cover her inefficiency. I might add that for the previous 12 yrs, (she was a new supervisor from the FS) I received outstanding/superior evals and recd special awards for taking on addl work and recd perf awards each yr. I had been dealing with the 'bullying' and inefficiencies of this supv for a long time. When I saw the Director's face, I couldn't take it any more, so I 'inappropriately' stomped out of the mtg and went home. I couldn't believe he may actually believe her instead of me, a 13 yr empl w/outstanding work history. The Dir later told me he was trying to support her/give her a chance. I kind of understand his efforts but I ultimately had to leave the job I loved 6 mos later. The 'Bullier' later filed a grievance against this Dir for non-support. 5 Yrs later I still hurt terribly!