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Wolfpack21
10-04-2006, 06:11 PM
There's a lady at work who has become pretty bitter about everything over the last few months. She's started slacking off in her work, not doing work on time, several very bad conflicts with other employees, etc. The other day she had work that needed to be done, her boss instructed her to complete the work (he was out of the office that day), but she did not complete the work. I could not do one of my tasks of the day until she completed her part. Basically, she's caused a lot of problems. Anyways, she's making numerous comments around the office that are just downright dangerous. She's openly labeling certain white people in the office as rednecks and labeling people in the office as racist if they cause trouble with her. She went so far the other day to label her boss as a racist because he used his hands when he talks. Today we had a staff meeting, I didn't say too much cause I can't even really talk right now due to a cold. There was a recent issue concerning Outlook calendars, but that was pretty much settled. None the less, I was walking down the stairs and this lady (she's in charge of the calendars and did not want to come to the meeting) was behind me and she said "well I guess you're just like the rest and keep your mouth shut" and then she said "damn white people disgust me."

Now ever since I've been at my current position, I've been nice to this lady. I listen to her complain about other co-workers and in general I'm friendly to her. She had no right to say what she did and of course it violates employee policy where I work. Lately I've thought her actions were out of line, but that comment really put it over the top. No one in that office has been mean to her, except when she fails to do her job due to being lazy or some other excuse. I could run to my boss and complain, but obviously her actions are going to get her fired. I feel like the business I work for is nervous to fire her, even though her actions clearly suggest that she should be fired. She's threatened to come back with racist complaints if she is let go.

I'm thinking the best thing to do is to "kill her with kindness" and just let it go. I really do think she needs to be let go though, it's just bad for the office environment in general. Any suggestions? Has anyone been in a similar situation? Why would someone who struggles financially, a single parent with three young children at home, put her job on the line like that? Especially in my city where there are not a lot of flexible jobs that allow her to come and go to pick up her children or run errands. It just doesn't make sense.

Thanks

cache
10-04-2006, 06:26 PM
I disagree. Get these thoughts officially documented. Protect yourself and the company later. Forget about kindness when this woman is making comments like you have said.

CuranderaC
10-04-2006, 10:07 PM
Document what she said to you today and go to Human Resources and file a harassment complaint. If she retaliates after being spoken to by HR then you can file another complaint.

g8ergal83
10-06-2006, 05:13 PM
Definitely document these comments. Put them in writing, sign it and bring it straight to HR. Who cares if her comments and what you think about them get her fired! If they fire her, she probably wont even do anything about it but talk. It seems like thats all she's good at is talking. And if she does file suit, i'm sure your company can find a lawyer that can put her in her place. Maybe a nice cute black one. What will she say then.. damn racists? Ha! Anyways, get it in writing ASAP. ASAP Its friday now.. take it over to them TODAY. cc it to your boss. (if you feel its necessary, say you didnt speak up ebcause you had a cold, but it shouldnt be necessary.) Dont wait any longer or else when you finally do take action, they could come back and say "why didnt you report this sooner?" Thats always bad.

CityGal
10-06-2006, 05:42 PM
Hmmm I would say to bring a tape recorder to record her saying these comments. She is way out of line being rude to you esp. if you are not doing anything to her. I say kill her with kindness and try to catch her in the act with a tape recorder or something else.

CuranderaC
10-06-2006, 08:04 PM
Hmmm I would say to bring a tape recorder to record her saying these comments. She is way out of line being rude to you esp. if you are not doing anything to her. I say kill her with kindness and try to catch her in the act with a tape recorder or something else.


Its illegal to tape record someone without their knowledge of the recording.

WorkInProgress
10-06-2006, 08:06 PM
I disagree. Get these thoughts officially documented. Protect yourself and the company later. Forget about kindness when this woman is making comments like you have said.
Ditto this!

spokes
10-07-2006, 01:35 AM
go to your direct supervisor or hr and discuss this matter.

in the meantime be coridal and professional to her.