Blackmail
have written a lot over the years about bullying in the workplace, primarily from an employees standpoint. There is, of course, another side of the issue. What if the bully is an employee who is bullying the company?
We have all seen the stories on TV and in the newspaper of some poor soul who has been sexually harassed by his or her boss. It may not be the most frequent form of bullying, but it does sell newspapers, and it does serve as a deterrent to other would-be bullies that our society has finally reached zero tolerance on this issue. The other side of the coin is that we have also empowered some employees to use this as a lever to get what they want. When a mere accusation can ruin careers and result in dragging an entire company through the mud, the tendency is for a company to handle things as quickly and quietly as possible. Promoting the accuser and firing the accused might be cheaper in the long run than the bad publicity, or an in-depth investigation by a government agency. There are other ways an employee can get what they want–other than simply doing a good job.
ne of the biggest boons to America's labor force has probably been the advent of the union. There is no question that a good union negotiates better benefits and treatment for their employee members. Once again, this can empower unscrupulous employees to take advantage of the power of the union by threatening to run to the union when they don't get their own way. What department head wants to go through intense scrutiny because of a disgruntled employees accusations of perceived unfair treatment?
The vast majority of our workers are honest, hardworking folks who want no more than an honest wage for an honest days work. It is not often the bully (or in this case blackmailer of sorts) who pays in the end, but those of us who simply go to work every day expecting to just be able to do our jobs without being manipulated. Two of the main goals of a bully are to avoid actually having to do any real work, and to make certain they control everyone around them. If you happen to be in the way your options may be pretty limited. Document everything-and keep your resume updated.
OK, I’m betting there’s a story behind the story but I take it that you’re not telling it right now. Everything you say is true, I work in a place with a good union and I’ve seen exactly what you’re describing happen but not very often, our union stewarts work with us and they know the people who cause the most trouble. Hope all’s well with you and B’Tude
That is so true, it’s just as bad this side of the pond except you can’t even use a little bit of banter now incase it’s seen as being non-PC or is some way sexist / racist / etc. There are jobs where a % have to be non-white in origin even if they aren’t up to doing the job, etc but like you I’ll just leave this here..
It’s pathetic that a bunch of grown ups in power suits act this way, and too bad for the rest of us who happen to get in the way.
There is a story Junebugg, but I’ll save that one for another time
It’s interesting that you say that Gopher, I guess we always hear so much of that here on our side ot the water we forget it’s pretty much global.
What’s ever worse Jay is that you don’t even have to do anything but be a good honest worker to be in their way.