Well, it’s Part II of my previous post about a co-worker filing a workplace violence claim against me even though there is nothing I can think of I did to warrant this extreme measure.

Well, it’s Part II of my previous post about a co-worker filing a workplace violence claim against me even though there is nothing I can think of I did to warrant this extreme measure.

For an update, I had an attorney look at my letter of directive and he said that was the worst letter he ever seen in his career and his advice to me was, write back to avoid insubordination by refusing to answer letter of directive and tell them letter was vague, poorly written and needed more specifics. I did that on July 23.

When I was originally given this letter, I was verbally told there were 3 topics I was supposed to write my conversation I had with this particular person and they were :Marketing Manager, Property manager and Donnie Z. I could only think of one that I got emotional with her about that I mentioned in my previous post when I explained my honesty and she accepted my apology later, but no violence took place. The other two definitely not and stupid for even thinking those conversations I had would ever be considered workplace violence either.

Well, I received a response to my letter requesting more details and received it yesterday. It still did not disclose what she said I did that caused her to file the workplace violence claim only that they were investigating a potential violation based on these conversations. So they still want me to write my conversation with that person on specific dates now not on or about dates from first letter. To top it off, they switched one of the verbally told topics and wrote a new one and it’s about my 25 year Service Pin discussion and removed Marketing Manager discussion and left other 2 listed above. This is insane and what is the topic going to be next if they can’t get it right the first time? They upset me to no end that day and I was wondering what I did with no information to go on and had to ask them questions. What if I would have complied originally to those 3 topics from the beginning? Would they have come and said, oh I’m sorry it wasn’t about that it’s on this topic. Dang I’m dealing with some kangaroos obviously investigating me. My antenna is up now for sure and want to laugh.

I am really not concerned I violated any policy, but it concerns me more as to why those topics they listed would to her? This is really getting on my last nerve and wondering if I should just write my comments and let them decide and see the craziness I see or should I stand my ground longer and not answer by my new deadline Aug 8.

I surely don’t want to write something she didn’t say or wasn’t the cause of her claim so they can twist against me to help them have questions to investigate me with .

Still confused as to why they need my conversation written in order to investigate me? Ask me a specific question and I’ll answer it.

If I do write something which I don’t want to, would it be simple facts like an outline? What would you do?

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4 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Very hard to follow this. It sounds like someone wants you gone. Go back to the lawyer and have them draft a response on their letterhead. It will be worth the cost. Do not attempt to write it yourself. His letterhead ought to scare them.

    Update your resume and LinkedIn profile and begin your job search.

  2. Anonymous

    I once was in a heated conversation with a coworker, and she walked by me and brushed up against my outstretched hand. The encounter was caught on surveillance video. I was called into the HR Manager's office because she filed a workplace violence complaint against me. You wouldn't have had to hit her in conjunction with an argument or disagreement. Simply inadvertently touching her counts (I learned that one the hard way that day). They didn't fire me, only warned me, but I learned the lesson. The surveillance video did not have audio, so they could only see the conversation was heated. They also saw she stormed past me, and I couldn't avoid the "touching" incident, so I got off the hook.

  3. Anonymous

    I had a similar situation. Had no idea what I did after a subordinate claimed I put my hands on her. I had written up this employee for excessive absences and leaving the office without notification. As one of the most senior people in the company, it was a gut punch when no one would tell me what happened. I did speak with an attorney to know how to protect myself. After our first conversation, when I shared the entire situation with him, he informed me of this “new trend” among young workers. They will do anything to keep their jobs and will claim harassment (physical, sexual, etc.) to do so. By not properly investigating, my company threw me under the bus. I have a viable claim and could sue but have instead chosen to look for another job .

    document - document - document everything. Speak with an attorney - it’s worth the cost to know your options.

  4. Albex Natex
    I appreciate you sharing this experience and explaining how important clear communication is when dealing with difficult workplace situations. Your post is a good reminder to stay calm, keep accurate records, and ask for clarification when things are unclear. Creating a comfortable home environment also matters, and home theatre installation for Brisbane homes can make everyday relaxation and entertainment more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your perspective!

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