I forgot to say how she unplugged my headset the other day, so the battery ran out and it had to charge again (a full day). The plug for some reason, is on her side of the cube wall, and nobody else goes over there. It is not in a place where it gets kicked or anything. I just got a power bar and moved her things to her side today, and mine over to my side. It still irks me when I remember how she giggled when I realized my h/s was not working.

Susan, I'm glad you put the 'job' of talking to her about the problems back on your supervisor. That is his job, and what he gets paid for. I feel sorry for the clients too. I'd think your supervisor would think more of them, and their situations (whatever they are). Hopefully he'll get the gonads to call her in and fire her. She isn't doing her job anyway, and it causes problems for all.
Leslie

I can't understand why she hasn't been fired for not doing her job. I don't think just anyone could keep their job doing things the way she is.
Someone else mentioned this.....who is she sleeping with?? Someone has to be "protecting" her!

I'm glad you have done what you did. That was a very smart move and another smart thing is how you are documenting everything! Very smart move!!

Deb

I remember when you posted about this a few weeks ago. Good for you for making a decision and sticking to it. It sounds like she is going to have to sink or swim and it doesn't sound like she's swimming so far. Hang in there....and keep posting! We're on your side.

Could your supervisor be playing the two of you against each other? I am just asking this question. Don't kill the messenger. LOL. But if he knows what she is doing and hasn't done anything so far it sounds like he is so passive and he shouldn't even Be a supervisor. He needs to be more involved than that and even suggesting you talk to her?? what's up with that?????. The clients are suffering in the long run and they are the ones you all are working for for crying out loud. I blame both of them. He really sounds like a dweeb also. He needs to wake up and smell the roses. She needs to be OUT THE DOOR on her donkey!! You may be playing tooo nice and may need to go futher up the chain of command. Have every thing documented dated, time, when you talked to whom, about what, have your t crossed and you i dotted. Don't leave out a thing. I just don't think things are going to get resolved with this supervisor. I have read you preceeding post, also. Maybe you are afraid to rock the boat, but sometimes nice people are stomped all over and you have to stand up for yourself. Just make sure you have your facts straight and have investigated the situation to the hilt. Good luck and good thoughts coming your way!!!!

with all the people on the books looking for a job your boss is a fool to keep her around...lay you odds you could hire someone at less salery, train them so you both got your jobs done, and have peace....

my dh's boss could have done just that with a worker who has slacked for ages, and hired my ds2..but he said he was afraid she sue...

I'm sorry you are having such problems. I would continue what you're doing and document everything!! How sad that this woman would rather play games then do her job at the cost of her clients, who she is hired to help!

My supervisor is a very nice (though incompetent) guy who doesn't seem to understand that some people are skillful manipulators. He is quite religious and thinks that by setting an example, he can influence the behaviour of others. He also hates conflict. He also USED to kind of have a kind of infatuation with her, but that seems to have passed.

I am afraid to rock the boat, because this girl always prevails. She actually got someone fired once. But Susan is right... it is very frustrating that there are qualified people who are good workers who would love to have a job like this and she is basically stealing money by staying on the payroll and slacking off the way she does.

I knew she would give me an easy time as long as I was doing her work, and for the most part that was true. She also knows I can't stand to see the clients receive poor service. I think she probably thinks that this "thing" of mine is temporary, but it's not. I will not be doing her work ever again... unless it's because I'm covering when she's off. But her day to day stuff- is HER job now.

Thanks Teresa. I hope this turns out ok, but I'm not turning back now.

Good for you. Stick to it. I feel so bad for people who are really good workers and get walked on by people who are not. That is truly NOT FAIR. I still feel even though your supervisor is religious he still can have a backbone. I am a Christain and I owned a business all my life until I sold out,(and started teaching my trade) and I could not let people walk all over me or others or I would have lost my business. You loose good workers if you let the bad guy prevail. Simple as that. I would stay on the slackers tail about everything wrong they did, they either shaped up, or shipped out. I never had to fire many. LOL. I am sure I was called A B...but I had a business to run.. I was no babysitter. Nowadays it is all a different work force...and people like you are a rareity. I pray that things work out for you, I really do.

Darleen

If she did something that would cause immediate dismissal I would bring it to light immediately if not sooner. She is hurting your clients and needs to be relieved of her duties now.

Linda

I have to give that very serious thought. I'm very afraid of doing that... repercussions, and Karma, and all. I've never done anything like that before, and I'm so afraid of her vicious reaction. I keep double and triple checking that I'm following ALL of the rules.

I admire the way you are handling this. Alerting the supervisor was a wise thing to do also.

I don't think the clients should suffer for her mistakes or not wanting to do her job. They suffer enough when asking for help in the first place and if she has done something that is cause for dismissal the client should come first in my opinion and something should be done about her. She works for the taxpayer and should be accountable for every action.

Anne

Just sending hugs to you for strength and making the correct decision and if by some strange turn of events you do loose your job, another one is just around the corner.
Hang in there
Marie

I understand there are more serious things to consider but the head set problem really bugs me. If she does it again I would be finding a new place to plug it in pronto. If you can mention that your need a new spot to your supervisor, just say so and so has a problem of taking it out occasionally. He should get the idea but it sounds like he's not quite on the ball. She sounds like she's taking quite a bit of time thinking of ways to make life tough. How much more can you take?

It's too bad that you have this problem to cope with, Susan. I pray that the affected clients may not be too seriously mistreated during the next while, though it looks as though they may well be, and I hope that their difficulties may not persist too long.

I hope too that things may not get too difficult for you - and certainly not to the extent of your being dismissed. Or have your reputation besmirched too seriously in the eyes of the staff to whom you are responsible and your co-workers ... though it appears that a number of them are familiar with her shenanigans.

Sometimes Christians are soft-hearted ... and soft-headed to go along with it - which often causes a good deal of trouble! But Christ was not like that: He said that we should be as sharp as serpents and as harmless as doves. When one is tough-minded ... then it becomes easier to have a soft heart and have things work out well.

Good thoughts and hopes going your way ... and prayers on your behalf ... and for the clients.

(((((Susan)))))

ole joyful

P.S. You are the lady that Iva Mae and I met in Stratford with Nicole and Claude, aren't yu?

o j

If you are aware of something that is grounds for dismissal which she's done, or not done, whatever the case may be ...... I would think as a professional you might have a *professional obligation* to bring this to the attention of someone in charge. Is she also a licensed professional? If she is neglecting her clients, her very license could be in jeopardy.

The thing that she is doing that is grounds for dismissal: we have very high security clearance to have access to a program that holds very sensitive and personal information on our clients. We are to use it for work purposes only, and NOT for personal reasons. She is a landlord, and goes into the programs (we can access our own program, and also a Provincial one), to check on potential tenants and to review when she is having a dispute with them. I've seen her try to influence the Provincial workers when she was in dispute with one- although those workers would probably "forget" if they were asked, to avoid becoming embroiled in a messy situation. One time, not long ago, she called up the Provincial program on one tenant and called the police, and provided the information from the computer screen. This is verifiable, because there is a permanent record of every move we make on the computer. And this behaviour is grounds for automatic dismissal, as it is a very serious security breach. This nervy girl did this right in front of me!

I would never do anything like that.. and I don't know why she would risk her job to do that.

Susan- You're in a tough situation and doing the best you can dealing with 2 incompetents- your coworker and your supervisor. There's nothing more I can add other than to wish you well and hope that there's a positive resolution.

I think you're being very smart about all of this and I hope it resolves soon. Her petty actions speak so loudly and I hope it becomes obvious to your supervisor very soon that she isn't worth having around if all she's going to do is cause trouble.

Stay on the high road, Susan, like you're doing, because it'll all work out for the best. And if there is Karma? Man, she's in for it. lol

Now, who's in charge of the complaint dept there? That poor person is going to be working overtime as the clients call in to complain about Nadine. SHE (or he) needs flowers! Or alcohol. ;)

I can't understand why she hasn't been fired for not doing her job. I don't think just anyone could keep their job doing things the way she is.

Sounds like she's a county or state employee...and there's a union.

I'd hate to be in your shoes, but I'm still glad you're not letting her continue with her ways.

If your movements are being tracked, what's the point? Doesn't anyone check it once in a while - or does there have to be some sort of investigation going on?

To me also it sounds like your manager wants you to do the dirty work. Let her stomp around with an attitude - she'll need you before you need her.

Good luck.

Susan, are you in Canada? The only reason I ask is that I am not familiar with privacy laws in Canada but I do know that here in the states what she has done is not only grounds for immediate dismissal but there's also possible legal ramifications. I would absolutely report that to my supervisor, IN WRITING. This is a CYA event.

Glad you are documenting. At what point do you go beyond your wuss of a 'supervisor'?

My late MIL was an RN and later became a hospital administrator. She said that a referral on a new hire that came from a clergyman was of less use than a blank sheet of paper; you could use a blank sheet for something. (Did you ever see one that wasn't unadulterated praise?)

Lynn has a good point. If she gets caught and it is learned that you knew what she does, you could go down with her. CYA, for sure.

Your manager doesn't sound like much of a christian to me. If he knowingly lets this woman put others well being in jeopardy because of his cowardice to take a stand. It's his job as well as his duty to the clients. Are the clients loosing their homes, no food, no medication? Just how much pain can this one woman cause? Is he afraid of the union, if there is one? I know a somewhat similar thing happened with my mom at the hone company. The union protected the woman who wasn't doing her job, it went on for years.

I would just be sick of it. If your manager won't do anything and this woman keeps it up can you send a anonymous note to someone higher up to get involved. As you said you may put yourself in jeopardy in some way for covering for her.

Office politics are horrible, but its not just sending out bills late, it sounds like this could really hurt people. You just have to do something to end this quicker.

Yes, it's a unionized government job in Canada. Our bosses are Regional Council and her mother was on that council for years, and is still well connected. The deadbeat that Nadine clings to is the niece of a prominent council member who died not long ago. Me? I'm just an ordinary person from a low income family who worked my way to where I am. I have no clout.

Her behaviour this morning hasn't improved. She is being very petty, and silly. She's trying to get a rise out of me, but it won't work. I'm just working away minding my own business. When she realizes I referred all those people to her, she's going to snap- even though she was supposed to have them all along. She won't really realize this until mid August though, because the reports come out at the end of the first week and she'll be on vacation by then.

And I don't remember if I mentioned it, but we have a strong, unspoken "shoot the messenger" policy at work. I've seen it in action, and it's SCARY. That's why I have to be careful on how I handle things.

Flamingo, I'm going to start advising all my clients who aren't getting service from her to call the supervisor- he will approach her with every call, and she won't like that but she will blame me and not herself for not doing her job.

Yes, it's a unionized government job in Canada.

And she's got connections, to boot?

I feel sorry or you, but she's going to die of old age in that job.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things, Susan, and the idea of referring all her complaining clients to your supervisor is a good one, and the right one. This all should be HIS problem, which he's trying to pawn off on you.

Well, I hope an earful from a bunch of ticked off clients gets his attention, Susan. Maybe he just needs to hear it 50 more times from outside sources.

Good luck, Susan. I'm sorry you have such a bad environment at work right now, but I hope it'll come to a head soon.

Greetings Susan,

Tread very circumspectly, girl!

That "SHOOT THE MESSENGER" is a concept well worth heeding.

I wish that I could do something to help.

I have small faith in karma ... that what goes around ocmes around.

Some suffer far more than others, and often undeservedly.

May God's blessing be with you, these days.

ole joyful

Be very careful, she will do anything she can to undermine you and make you look bad. Too often people like this prevail.

Yes, she is very good at this stuff, so if I sense that I'm not getting anywhere, I'll just put up with it, I guess. She does kind of scare me.

Can your union help you?

The union would not be happy with me, if they knew what was going on. They will probably find out at some point and call me in to intimidate me... but they don't bother me. I might not even go, and I don't think they can make me. If they insist on a meeting, I'll make them come to me, instead of me going to the union office. Nadine is good friends with the second vice president.

It's a shame...but not unusual.

Why would the union give YOU trouble??? When my sister had a problem, her union was a great help and support.

That's how they are. I'm upset because Nadine is not doing her work and is pushing it off on me. They think I should only try to work it out with her and not involve management, but if I can't work it out I should suck it up. If and when they find out that I have told my supervisor about things she has done, they will be very angry with me.

I'm not a Union fan one little bit, but if someone in the Union would be upset with you, then you need to be a professional and stand up for yourself. Not complaining but a statement of facts if asked. You will do your job very well and want to maintain your standards without complications..(co worker) Hold your head up high. You just as worthy of a fair evaluation as anyone.
Just a clue, some of the co workers buddies probably already know what she's like.

I think you have a good plan. Stay level headed, stay strong, do your work extra well. Keep in touch with your supervisor, isn't that what he's for anyway? I mean doesn't he have to know what is happening, good or bad? HE should have to deal with what ever happens to the neglected clients. That's her job and HIS job to make sure she is keeping up.

I was thinking about my various jobs in the past. I'm sure I wouldn't have a problem letting any of my supervisors in on a problem that I could not take care of myself. Isn't it destructive to have her neglecting her clients and passing them on to you when your hands are already full? Ask your boss to help you solve this by first stating what you want to do to fix this, asking for him to be there for you if your co worker needs help understanding her job requirement/ duties. HE should be the one investigating though. Is it so hard to actually see what her work load is, and what your work load is? Isn't there some sort of paper work that indicates what work goes to who. (did that make sense?)
Plain and simple, she's going to have to find someone else to walk on. You can do your clients and learn to say NO to her.
I think you are really giving her way to much power. Sure the politics are intimidating but you can show anyone your worth by acting worthy.
I kinda doubt Karma will catch up with her, I DO think that her refusal to do her job in a timely manner will catch up with her. What does your supervisor say about that? It's not your responsibility to micro manage HER is it?

I really don't trust the people we have leading our Union right now. I feel more comfortable being open with management than I do with them, although I don't trust management 100% either. Anyway, that's what I'm going to do.. I'm just going to keep doing the best job I can and I'll speak up when I have to. And I won't take the bait when she tries to annoy me, as she did today- she didn't even faze me with her annoying ways today, as it seemed obvious she was trying to get to me. Well, for a minute she rattled me, but only for a minute.

Oh, when I've asked my supervisor when things are going to change, as the way things are is too hard on me, he just says that he won't discuss one employee with another. I mean, that's an appropriate answer, but it's also pretty convenient for a supervisor who is not fixing a bad situation.

Can you transfer to a different office if this never gets better, Susan? They really don't deserve to have you there, IMO. Imagine what a world of hurt it would cause if you left them. :) They'd HAVE to do something then or she'd be looking for someone new to do all her work for her.

Gah. How can she even look at herself in the mirror? She's so worthless.

Why would the union give YOU trouble???

Because, in every union, there are "special" people, those who have friends and/or relatives that are union officers.
Put a union in a government/political environment and you have the same problem in both layers.

She is going to actively plan to 'get you'. Always watch your back. Can you suggest better oversight in the computer programs or something that would cause someone else to see what she did? Aren't there other workers who can't stand her? Everyone should be documenting or complaining in droves. Why did the supervisor want her to have her clients back?? Be careful what you wish for supervisor!! Those calls will start coming-sit back and enjoy!!

When you refer Nadines clients to her and she refers them back to you would it be possible to say"perhaps you would like to speak to Nadine's supervisor" and pass the call on to him?

Lisa, you are right, especially after today. I think I'll make a new post about that. As far as why the supervisor wanted the clients referred, I think he was under pressure to have her take her clients back because it's all being watched now from higher up. The timing is perfect, she just had her bimonthly review, and she is either going to have to keep a (normal) pace that she isn't used to, or have low numbers to answer for. I'm not happy about the poor service people will be getting, but you and Dottieq are right, I've already started referring complaining clients to the supervisor. It's awkward because she sits right beside me!