Workplace bullying as a contractor

[smithsi]

Had a big row with the Team Leader on my IT project. He accussed me of checking in work without proper testing, which I had done and attempted to give me a dressing down in front of the whole office.

My response: Before you start making allegations get your facts straight!!! THE FACT IS THAT YOU HAVEN'T TESTED PROPERLY SO DON'T COME SHOUTING AT ME.

I then sent emails showing evidence that I had tested and that his changes were the problem (I didn't copy in the rest of the office).

I got a gruding acknowledgement that yes this was the problem, but no apology.

This is about the tenth time this has occurred, he doesn't do the same thing to other members of the team.

Some people were saying that as a contractor and with a job market in turmoil, I should have taken it. What do the PH collective think.

I don't think the guy can directly have an effect on whether I'm renewed and I don't see why I need to be bullied. Take it up the chuffer or tell him to naff off and that I don't appreciate his manner.

PS He can't take the presssure which is why he gets this way. Promoted to his level of incompetance.

Edited by smithsi on Wednesday 28th January 21:42

[Gun_840]

He's just jealous that you probably earn more than him, even though you are slightly lower in the office pecking order. My advice would be to just ignore the little tt.

[Pickled Piper]

Difficult one.

I'd request a one on one meeting and then politely make it clear that shouting at you or making accusations in public is not acceptable behaviour. Tell him if he has issues with your work to raise them with you directly in a professional manner. Tackle it calmly and professionally. Definitely do not let it go.

Does the firm have a code of business conduct? Bullying is nor acceptable irrespective of your status as an employee or contractor.

If all else fails. Wave your Rolex in his face, tell him to stick his job and roar of in your Porsche. pp

[sleep envy]

smithsi said:

He accussed me of checking in work without proper testing, which I had done and attempted to give me a dressing down in front of the whole office.

My response: Before you start making allegations get your facts straight!!! THE FACT IS THAT YOU HAVEN'T TESTED PROPERLY SO DON'T COME SHOUTING AT ME.

at that point you both lost

[Simond001]

Next time just smile at him.

Then very calmly tell him "lets not have another public shouting match. You know they always end in you sending me little emails confirming that you were wrong."

All the time smiling sweetly.

[Chris_w666]

If you have a genuine issue with him keep written records of every incident and report him. But being a contractor don't expect a renewal after rocking the boat.

Or as this is PH try VBRJ or invite him round for breakfast and piss on his cornflakes.

[Fittster]

Your a contractor, there for the money. If you don't like the conditions find another contract.

Put up with the st and think of your rate.

Edited by Fittster on Wednesday 28th January 21:58

[bigandclever]

That's not "bullying", you big girl's blouse.

Sorry if that made you cry

[digger_R]

Chris_w666 said:

Or as this is PH try VBRJ or invite him round for breakfast and piss on his cornflakes.

[Hyperion]

Every workplace has the office tw@t(s)

[Orb the Impaler]

You did the right thing and did what I always do - make sure that everything you do is documented, cc'd emails etc.

In work there is a saying: "How big is a piece of paper? Big enough to cover your arse".

[jimmyb]

sleep envy said:

smithsi said:

He accussed me of checking in work without proper testing, which I had done and attempted to give me a dressing down in front of the whole office.

My response: Before you start making allegations get your facts straight!!! THE FACT IS THAT YOU HAVEN'T TESTED PROPERLY SO DON'T COME SHOUTING AT ME.

at that point you both lost

Correct. Pickled piper is right. Getting in a public slanging match is not how to deal with it. If he tries to have a go at you in front of the whole office just ask calmy and politely to discuss it in private. If he doesnt like that then tell him he can come see you when he has calmed down and you will be more than happy to have a meeting in private about the issue at hand as its between you two not the whole office as until that time you will not discuss it with him.Dont go emailing everyone in the office the evidence that will merely get his back up even more.

Keep notes.Dont raise a stink keep it between yourself and him. Rocking the boat could cause you more trouble than its worth.

[fido]

Simond001 said:

Next time just smile at him.

Then very calmly tell him "lets not have another public shouting match. You know they always end in you sending me little emails confirming that you were wrong."

All the time smiling sweetly.

+1. Look at it from his point of view. He is the manager, no doubt protecting his job, and you are an easy target (as the only non-permanent staff). Try and stay on his good side - but be diplomatic with him - guess there isn't much you can do as a contractor, other than consulting a solicitor - actually that might scare him more than HR.

[HRG]

bigandclever said:

That's not "bullying", you big girl's blouse.

Sorry if that made you cry

Too right, no wedgies, no filling his pants with barrier cream and no slinging him on the crane. Definitely not bullying!

[SMcP114]

Bullying?!!

That's not bullying!

[HRG]

True, that's just mischief

[SMcP114]

Next you'll be telling us the big meanie put your stapler in a jelly!

[sadako]

RTFM:

http://bofh.ntk.net/bd.html

[smithsi]

Thanks for the comments. Made me laugh.

Maybe it's not bullying, but I'm sure his behaviour goes against the staff handbook here (they even have a pro gay policy - I think they're going to install handlebars in the toilet).

Having worked in very aggressive environments, aware of slippery slope and I'd prefer to metaphorically give someone a ttting before it get's to that stage.

[HRG]

Careful that's not construed as bullying