Posted on 08/16/2006 by Dharmadee
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My co-workers and I got the "daily task list"this morning, and unbelievably, she had me down to lift and shift files all day. Here is the thing...I was recently out on medical leave, just this past spring, due to double pneumonia. My doctor warned me that I needed to take it easy for about 6 months, because of the scarring on my lungs. When I first returned to work, the Bimbo took me from my regular desk position, and had me lifting and shifting files, to the point where I was gasping for breath, and thought I would pass out, while she kept making snotty comments about my "lack of work ethics". I called my doctor, and he immediately faxed over lifting/weight limitations "until further notice"...meaning until my next appointment in 6 months. I really did not think I would have a problem, after that, as I am supposedly "office/clerical" anyway, and not usually required to do heavy lifting. BUT-I underestimated the Bimbo manager. She conveniently "lost" the first restriction, then claimed that she never HAD it, and kept pestering me for one, while threatening me with insubordination if I refused to comply with her directions to lift and move heavy boxes. So, I had to request that my doctor e-fax another memo, which I then distributed to HR, the administrator and the Bimbo. OK, for about a month. Then, today, again, she gave the directive for me to "shift files all day", as well as handle all incoming requests, and to "welcome" the outsourcing company that was there for "observation". (I am assuming that she was hoping that they would observe me pass out.) She then directed all my co-workers to another floor, and left me alone to fend for myself. I sent her and HR an email reminding them of the doctor's weight and lifting restrictions. The next thing I know, the Office Administrator shows up, while I am alone, and tries to intimidate me into saying that I will "do my share". I told him I could not do it all by myself, as my doctor had me on a restriction. (By the way, there are several other co-workers who are quite able to lift and shift heavy files, including a tall, strong, 22 year old guy, so it was not about me being the only available worker.) He kept repeating, "you ARE going to do your share, right? You don't have a problem doing your share, do you?" I told him I would do my share, to the best of my ability, given the doctor's restrictions. I called the doctor's ofice again, and they were very upset, and advised me to leave work and come in immediately if I experienced any shortness of breath. Anway, the outsourcing company came in, and I showed them my work, and told them that if they were interested in learning about my job, they should ask my manager for her "pie chart" (the hand-drawn one she made, based on her "observations".) The Bimbo just sat there, blinking like she got hit in the face, and then denied that there ever WAS a pie chart"!!! HA! I have a feeling that she was told to put it away, and never mention it again, as it was an embarassment. Then, I showed the outsourcing company representative the files that I was told to shift, and the representative observed that it was too big a job for one or two people, and should probably be done by a group, as a team effort. I thought the Bimbo was going to have a stroke! But, at least I did not have to try to do any lifting, after that. Is this the weirdest thing that you guys have ever heard of or what? (And yes, I definitely have been sending out my resume, and praying a lot.)
POST A COMMENTDharmadee(08/18/2006)
Hey, C...! One upon a time, I would have thought that you were exaggerating, but not anymore. After my doctor sent them the THIRD "revised" retriction note, I got a "memo" from the Administrator, with the Bimbo panting behind him at his right arm. This memo states that they have never told me to do anything that was doctor-restricted...and that they were not going to expect my co-workers to pick up the "slack" for my "refusal to do the daily work". Really! I pointed out to him that no one has ever been expected to shift these huge files alone before, and he again said that he did not "believe" they were heavy! Interestingly enough, I had taken a picture using the bathroom scale in the ladies room, the day before, of just ONE folder (15 lbs.) as well the walls of folders extending 7' high that they expected me to lift and shift by myself. I called the doctor again, and spoke with his office manager. She was so angry, she wanted to come to my office personally to confront them. She said, "They better back off and respect the doctor's restrictions, or they are in for a hell of a lawsuit!" I am still amazed at this...I had not idea that corporations were this ruthless. Up until now, I worked for smaller, family owned business. Sure, there was rivalry, pettiness, etc., but nothing on this scale of pure, unadulterated evil. When the Administrator gave me the memo and hissed, "Any questions?", I really wanted to ask him how he can live with himself, but I refrained,...for now. Maybe someday.
SouthernProgrammer(08/18/2006)
See if your Doctor will visit the office manager in person.
Dharmadee(08/18/2006)
I am also thinking of calling my therapist today, as I had a "panic attack" and could not bring myself to go in. Not a lie, really...I looked at the pictures of the stuff they are expecting me to move by myself, and I know that they were going to try to get me to do this lifting again today. I really did almost die from the pneumonia, it was bad! I actually quit breathing once, and I don't want to experience that again any time soon. Also, I am a relatively small woman, not a weight-lifter! But, suddenly, I have gone from being in an office position to being in a warehouse - and working for people who apparently want to kill me. This is really crazy. I am starting to get a little scared, in a purely physical way, whether it is logical or not.
Dharmadee(08/18/2006)
Spoke with the therapist, who advised me to either...a) go in, refuse to do something that is obviously against the doctor's restriction, and get fired, or b) try to comply with their unreasonable demands, and when I start to have problems breathing, say that I need to leave and see the doctor immediately. Of course, b) carries with it something of a risk. What do you guys think? Also, please remember that the Bimbo is crazy, and pushed me to the point where I almost passed out before. She is like a manic amazon, and seems to think that being physically stronger means she is superior in every way. Has anyone had any experience with this sort of thing? I just don't think she is going to give up.
BoneyardDiva(08/18/2006)
REFUSE TO DO IT. You need to stand up with these idiots. Do not endanger your health. That's one thing you shouldn't let them take from you.
avid reader(08/18/2006)
I had a boss whom I admired and he used to say "They can have me for 8 hours a day but they'll never have my SOUL!" I loved that.
C - -(08/18/2006)
Ouch, what would happen if you do pass out? Will they call an ambulance? Just asking, it's worth a try.(hint, hint) Ask your lawyer if you have enough evidence to quit and ask for unemployment or ask the DES office the same question. You seem to have more rights in your home state than I had in mine. It breaks my heart that managers are still following the same blueprint.
SouthernProgrammer(08/19/2006)
Dharm, don't let them beat you by not going in. Go in, do what you can and if you get sick you get workmans comp and a damn good court case.
Dharmadee(08/19/2006)
Well, my doctor informed me that he has done as much as possible to get through to them, but he cannot seem to make the restriction decriptive enough to suit them. I spoke to an attorney, and the only option I have is to go in there, do my best to accomodate them, and if I find that I am having difficulty breathing, I have to go to the hospital immediately. So, I guess that is what I will do Monday.
Dharmadee(08/21/2006)
Monday-the Bimbo set me up to work by myself, lifting and shifting heavy files against doctor's orders. The rest of my co-workers did desk work, and I had to fend for myself. The sad thing here is that these co-workers ducked their heads, knew what was going on, and said nothing. After a morning of doing physical labor, I was exhausted, and gasping for breath. I called my doctor, and he told me to come in right away. He was shocked, and wrote me a restriction to do no physical labor at all, until my next appointment. This may prompt them to just let me go, and I guess I will say,"good riddance". Who wants to work for a company like this, who condone this kind of behavior?
SouthernProgrammer(08/22/2006)
They won't let you go, they know they have a lawsuit waiting to happen. They want you to quit!
Dharmadee(08/22/2006)
Right again, Southern! After they treated me like cr*p all day today, called my doctor's note into question, made snide comments about what I was "willing" to do...I was sent back to my desk. Then, in the late afternoon, I got a strange little memo from administration that basically apologized for what happened months ago, that started this whole ball rolling. That definitely surprised me and came straight out of left field. What is the deal with that? Any thoughts???
C - -(08/22/2006)
My guess - trying to lull you into a false sense of security so you will let your guard down. Stay alert do not trust them!
BPFH(08/22/2006)
I agree with C--. If they were sorry, they'd have canned the BM, *and* her manager as well (on the grounds that he let it go on).
SouthernProgrammer(08/23/2006)
For gosh sakes make copies of that note! What a fantastic admission of guilt...
Dharmadee(08/23/2006)
I know, it is crazy! Basically, it said that the previous reprimand was "rescinded" in light of "current employment laws"..! Meanwhile, the B.M. targeted me viciously again today, leaving me to do ALL the work in the whole department, while my co-workers were on another floor, without any supervision. The B.M. hovered over me like the vulture that she is, to "make sure" I had enough work to do, and Oh yes, by the way, I had to write everything down that I do during the day, - because - and I quote, "the company has the right to expect 8 hours of work for 8 hours of pay!" I told her that I was glad to see that she trusted her people so much that she could leave everyone else alone, and focus on me. She snottily told me to see the administrator, if I had a "problem" with that. Oh, yes, I have a problem, but HE is not the one I will be reporting it to.
Dharmadee(08/24/2006)
OMG! Today, she waited until all my co-workers were out of the office, then the B.M. stationed herself behind me (about 2 ft.) and started "de-shelving" bookcases, pulling files off the shelf and flinging them to the floor right behind me. I moved to one of my co-workers desks further away (as they were all sent elsewhere) , and told her I would be happy to give her some "space". Well, this infuriated her, so she began to circle me, and question everything I was doing. I told her I was doing the best I could, considering that I was covering for four people, and was alone for days in the department. She then very snottily said that it was not HER fault that I was "supposedly" on "light duty", and could not help my co-workers do more manual labor. I told her I was not "supposedly" anything, I was on a doctor's restriction, and furthermore, there was still all the regular clerical work that needed to be done, and could not possibly be completed daily by just one person. She asked me, "Can you finish it all today or not?" I told her no, it was impossible. Then she said, "That's all I need to know. So, you can't do your job." I told her, "Look, if you think I can't do my job, then why don't you fire me?" She got ALL excited and said, "Oh, is that what you want?" I looked at her and said, "That is not my call. But I am NOT quitting, so if you want me gone, go ahead and fire me." She took off like a shot, and I packed my stuff. Then, she came back in and pretended that none of it happened. Damn.
C - -(08/24/2006)
Poor Child, I read you loud and clear. Now she is trying to make your life miserable to force you to take up regular duty and then she can finish what she started. Don't give in. You are doing great to have lasted this long. As long as you don't feel damaged and can sleep at night! How is the job search going?
C - -(08/25/2006)
Dharmadee; When you have had enough there is one more thing you can try, but explore any fallout or other options first.--- Ask your doctor if he will document and sign the Family Leave Act forms. It's there to protect you if you are to sick to work. Unfortunately without pay in my state, but it will give you a few weeks of breathing room, hopefully gum up their works and put a temporary stop to their evil intentions.
Dharmadee(08/25/2006)
Well, I have an interview tomorrow, so you can say a prayer for me!
C - -(08/25/2006)
Will do, keeping my fingers crossed. Good luck.
the cynic(08/25/2006)
Wait, so she intentionally isolated you from the other workers, then exploited your doctor-excused disability by throwing manual labor all over the place intentionally that she knows you can't do? Holy crap, this lady not only sounds like a workplace abuser, but an antisocial/psychotic personality as well. What kind of person is that manipulative? She's sure not subtle about her bullying and DEFINITELY has control issues. Also, isn't what she's doing (violating a doctor's note) against disability law, FMLA law, and a bunch of other laws? Anyway good luck in your interview and hope you find a more peaceful work environment soon.
SouthenProgrammer(08/25/2006)
If you get the job, tell your boss there is something you have been wanting to tell her since you met her. "I am quitting for a better job"
Dharmadee(08/25/2006)
Yes, guys, I am pretty sure that she IS anti-social, and probably an actual psychopath. Has anyone seen a new book called "Snakes in Suits"? It is about clinically diagnosed psychopaths as co-workers, managers, bosses, etc.-and it sound like it is getting worse out there. These clowns are geniuses at making co-workers look bad, taking credit for other people's work, and getting their kicks from power plays. The chapter entitiled "Is my boss a psychopath?" reads like a textbook of the B.M. from beginning to end. It even says that the "psychopath manager" generally has connections with higher management, and tends to continue to wreak havoc and destruction at a workplace for a long time. By the way, another staff memeber approached me to tell me that she had also been targeted by the B.M., appaently because she was nice to me. The goal is obviously to make everyone avoid me like the plague, so as to make me look like the problem.
C - -(08/25/2006)
Do your coworkers realize they will be next after she is done targeting you? She does not want any witnesses left who remember her 'crimes'.
Dharmadee(08/25/2006)
Actually, C--, I think they really do know it, at least subliminally. I can see they are ashamed of themselves, but are scared to death. They are somehow hoping that they will escape her wrath, or maybe, that I will somehow prevail, and then she will be gone. I feel them "rooting" for me, but as observers only, and they distance themselves as soon as she walks into a room. One of them said to me, "Maybe Rumpelstiltskin will show up, to help you with all the work she gave you." Well, this is no fairy-tale, even if she is the wicked witch. This is honestly getting surreal.
the confessor(08/27/2006)
You are a tower of strength and restraint, Dee! What I see is that the company wrote you a sort of apology and it's looking for a hedge against a looming lawsuit. The Bimbette senses that she'll be thrown to the wolves if you win. I have a friend who represents complainants in state workers cases, and frequently agencies will look to reduce their liability by agreeing to permanently remove the offending worker with prejudice (no transfers to other departments or job references.) Any questions like "so you don't want to do your job" should be written down and referred to your attorney. If she attempts to grab the paper or acts out physically in any way (e.g. throwing files on floor directly behind you), seek immediate help from your attorney and/or the authorities. Throwing objects around is menacing behavior-she's showing you what she like to do if she got her hands on you!
Dharmadee(08/27/2006)
Thank you for that, confessor. Truthfully, I am scared to death right now. I had no idea it would go to these lengths. I am experiencing a great deal of anxiety just anticipating going back in there tomorrow. However, my main focus continues to be that I and my co-workers do not deserve to be treated like this, and these people in management definitely know better (even if the Bimbo does not). I am not sure why they cannot simply admit they were wrong. Unfortunately, I do not have a lawyer, per se-I simply filed with a government agency who is "investigating". The firm I work for is so influential, I do not know if it will go any further, and I just might wind up SOL. Not a major surprise, no good deed goes unpunished.
Dharmadee(08/28/2006)
Well, the B.M. wasn't there today, thank God. They probably sent her to another seminar! Then I saw a newsletter that was being sent around to the attorneys at the office, about how lower level managers can be a liability to a well-meaning and knowledgable company, if they are not "trained" properly...ya think??? Well, maybe some good will come of this, eventually.
C - -(08/28/2006)
"Well meaning and knowledgeable company" looks like more C. Y. A. to my very jaded eyes - let's hope I am wrong.
Dharmadee(08/29/2006)
Yes, I am sure you are right, C--. But frankly, at this point, if that means pretending that they just did not realize how bad the B.M. was until now, whatever. As long as they deal with it in some kind of ethical manner, no matter how late it is, it would be something. Or is that still asking for too much...?
the confessor(08/30/2006)
Dee, how was it that you saw the memo re: manager's training? If it is a training issue, it is still their fault. Check out free legal services in your state. I know where I live you can get help, especially where you have a doctor's restriction letter that has been repeatedly questioned and violated. Trust me, any company that allows it's managers to order an employee on restrictions to lift or whatever is in complete noncompliance. Get a nice settlement (that includes psychological damages), and a positive WRITTEN reference and move on. BTW, this is the kind of case that "psychological damages" were created for...
Dharmadee(08/30/2006)
The memo I saw the other day about management training was just an article, in a weekly periodical newsletter that they had "flagged" and sent it around to all of the attorneys. I am sure that they all found it very fascinating. While I think that the B.M. was certainly not management material, the fact is, they ARE responsible (and they know it!), for keeping her there day after day, and allowing her to wreak havoc on everyone in her path (except the higher ups-she is permanently puckered up for them!) Well, the government agency I am working with served them again, for the third time, because of their violations of my doctors orders, and the constant retaliation. So, she left me alone today, fo the most part...but promptly attacked several of my co-workers. She is definitely a serial bully! When will the higher management address it-if ever? It is sad to know that sometimes it takes a lawsuit to get a comapny to do the right thing.
C - -(08/30/2006)
For the time being they may give the impression of true concern. But behind the scenes they are already working on rules and regulations how to circumvent and protect themselves and the B.M. from the next employee's complaints.--------- Just look at the bullied students who retaliated violently. Parents of bullies asked for regulations to protect their precious brats from students seeking to protect or defend themselves. The root cause is not addressed. Business as usual is much more comfortable than change. Until now rules and laws overall protect bullies of all stripes. A few well written and enforced laws could change that.
SouthernProgrammer(08/31/2006)
> Well, the government agency I am working with served them again, for the third time, because of their violations of my doctors orders, and the constant retaliation. So, she left me alone today, fo the most part > Based on this and the article being passed around....I would not be surprised if your manager is shown the door due to being a liability. Hang in there and I think you will see I am right.
the confessor(08/31/2006)
I agree. You'll know when it's almost over when she starts making negative comments about the company...and I bet if she's had sex with a senior manager that's she's holding it over their head.
Dharmadee(08/31/2006)
I really hope you guys are right...but I am pretty sure that there has been hanky panky going on, there is no other explanation. She has picked fights with person after person, in the department and outside of it, but somehow, the higher management keeps backing her. And, get this, today she had on the SAME clothes she had on yesterday...WTH?? Yeeeeccchhh...
the confessor(08/31/2006)
When our sleazy radio station secretary was in trouble, she literally would lay across the owner's desk. Who's more pathetic, the office sleaze who sexes up the managers, or the plastic suits that take advantage of her?
Dharmadee(09/01/2006)
I agree-the higher management is ultimately responsible. If this nasty relationship is that important, then why can't they pay for it and deal with it on their own time? That happened "pre-lib", with the executives keeping an "apartment" in the city. Now that they can easily HIRE the bimbos, and keep them on the payroll, I guess they think it is so much more convenient. Except for the rest of us, that is!
the confessor(09/01/2006)
In my case, five different people over a period of years approached him and suggested that she be moved to an office he had at his house (he was an attorney). He would become furious, insisting that nothing was going on. Keep in mind that in some cases (including mine), we had actually found them having sex at the office by accident. The bottom line is that male managers see this as a perk of their position. Why should they pay for illicit sex when some secretary is giving it away. Unfortunately, it's not free for the company paying their salaries, and co-workers that have to deal with the personal and professional fallout from their dysfunctional relationship.
the cynic(09/01/2006)
I was at a job where one woman, officially a secretary but also hired to do some accounts payable, was KNOWN for sleeping with guys at work. In the words of a friend of mine, "Every sleazy guy in this office has been with X at one point." She was not only sleeping with COWORKERS, but with MANAGEMENT too. What did it get her? A higher salary than everybody else, bossiness rights over everyone else (listening in on our phone calls and lecturing us about our "tone" and similar things), and the right to run to the boss like a kindergarten tattletale just to get people in trouble (like for leaving early on a Friday or taking too long in the bathroom).
the confessor(09/01/2006)
This is where I think we're not too far distanced from the animal kingdom- the prime female breeder is "tagged" by the alpha male and givne protection and preferential treatment. The fact that those around them have to accept this nonprofessional behavior is evidence of their power and primacy. The alpha male will often mate in front of the rest of the group as if to say "what are you looking at?" When EVERYONE knows what's going on it's the same thing...
Dharmadee(09/01/2006)
G-d, how depressing. The "alpha" female known as my Bimbo Manager is definitely exhibiting all the signs listed. ANOTHER co-worker (yes - another female) came to me today to tell me that the B.M. had "gone off" on her, then ran to management to report. I told her that she was not the only one, that there was quite a list of pople -all women -_that she had attacked. My co-worker nodded, and said "Yes, there's a list...and they KNOW it...they know it." Yeah, maybe they know it, but are they going to DO something about it?
Dharmadee(09/01/2006)
Oh! Another thing...the B.M. was actually caught having sex - in a closet - with a maintenance guy, a few years ago...the woman who walked in on her is the one she went off on yesterday. Sure, the B.M. has quite a reputation, not much class, AND like "cynic" says, she also has a big salary, a private office and the right to make our lives miserable. This is just a shame.
Dharmadee(09/04/2006)
OK, guys, here is the deal...I just found out that this whole can of worms WILL be going to a hearing in about a month, which I guess happens only about 10% of the time, given the number of complaints at the government agency I am working with. I heard from another former employee, whose name I gave as a witness, that they are willing to FLY her across the county, just so she can testify at the hearing. What should I expect? I really hate the idea of continuing to work with these psychotic, sadistic monsters. I am not happy with the idea of saying, "Well, OK, just play nice in the future with me, mmm-kay??? And don't let it happen again!" Like I will believe that for a down-town second! Realistically speaking, Oh Masters of the Toxic Workplace Environment...what are my options?
SouthernProgrammer(09/05/2006)
Hang in there to attend the hearings and get your BM slapped down. Then leave! Unless you have a good job offer, then leave before.
the confessor(09/05/2006)
Sounds like they are going to stick it to the Bimbette, if they are willing to fly your witness cross-country. I bet you can get an attorney on contingency to rep you-you certainly are due damages and special treatment after all this. Then you can leave if you want to after, and in your own sweet time. Think about it...
thelma (08/17/2006)
It sounds like that Office Administrator person came in to cover the company's butt. He was trying to get you to say you agreed to do all the heavy work. Next time, don't agree with them about anything and tell them you'll call your doctor and put him on speakerphone if necessary so they can hear it, too.
C - - (08/18/2006)
Admire your endurance and your patience. They seem to follow the same guidebook my managers used, but your doctor is more forceful by half. Good for him and good for you. - Now, be careful and don't get hurt. They will countermand and misinterpret every medical directive. They may try to accuse you of taking medication to work or remove it from your purse. They will even keep you from taking it as prescribed, again insisting that they did not know that you are on any medication. They may insist that you were going to the wrong address for treatment at the wrong time. Waste time by doing so and try to harm you any way they can get away with. Watch for hip-slams, body-slams, falling of heavy books, binders, boxes etc. being tripped and suddenly opening doors. Be careful whose food or drink you accept. Better paranoid then sorry! Whew - I still get emotional just thinking about it - Went with the attitude, I may not win but you (the manager) will have an awful lot of paperwork. Sending my best of luck and wishes your way kid.
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