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- This topic has 6 replies and was last updated 2 years, 3 months ago by
AngieBaby.
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Rox
Hi!
I’m posting cause I need advice.
I work in a union where it’s competitive, mostly the social dynamic that is the most challenging.
I was put at a work site over a month ago that workers have been on for over 10 years. Everyone was nice to me, even inviting and encouraging except these 2 elderly women who are the exact same job position as me.
Everyday, I sense territorial and half joking condescending remarks. I’ve tried to “kill them with kindness”, offer praise for their work, stay out of there way but everyday they clearly don’t like me. I can’t think of anything I’ve done to offend them, but it is truly getting to me psychological ly to me. The latest one is they told everyone I had covid when I was off one day and blatant remarks like “find another site to work at”. I’m not young either- I’ve been in the industry for 18 years as well.
To top it off, some of the men have noticed and seem to be extra nice to me to off putt what they are doing. Which makes the women act even stranger.
I’m not expecting to be their friend, but how can I normalize the situation.
Thanks in advanceRaven
Have you talked with your supervisor or HR?
It’s bullying & it needs to stop.Rox
Hi @raven,
No, I havent spoken to my supervisor because I am hesitant of the outcome. These women act so dear to the other workers. It will be a comparison of reputations.Raven
Then please speak to HR…
Liz Lemon
It may be that the older women are threatened by the fact that you are younger and in their same position. Ageism in the workplace is real– I’m not saying that you would be ageist against them, but they might be assuming that you are.
I agree with Raven that unfortunately this is an issue you have you address with HR. It’s not going to go away on its own. You can’t control other people’s behavior so there’s nothing you can do to “normalize” the vibe. They are choosing to act inappropriately at work, and it needs to be addressed. It’s bigger than you. So please don’t feel uncomfortable going to HR, you’ve done nothing wrong- they have.
AngieBaby
You need to start documenting everything (off your work computer), speak with your supervisor and if your supervisor won’t take any action then you let your supervisor know you have to go to HR. (Don’t just go to HR without talking with your supervisor first, that’s breaking chain of command.) What they’re doing is creating a hostile work environment and that shouldn’t be tolerated, especially in a union shop. If they won’t stop you may need to get a transfer out of there, even though it’s your fault and you’ve done nothing wrong. Sounds like they feel threatened by you no matter what you do. If your supervisor and HR won’t do anything, contact a labor lawyer to get clear on your rights so you don’t get fired over this.
AngieBaby
Sorry I meant to say it’s NOT your fault
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