Confused about work situation

[Unsure33]

I am a minority share holder of a small company . All been going very well , growing. Increased profits etc.

About a year ago the majority share holders wife started working for the company in an entry job role .

During these months we have had some problems between her a three to 4 members of staff ( out of 11) as she can be rude , bossy and wants to pick and chose what she wants to do . It has become very stressful and on three occasions I asked for HR to come in ( refused)
So before covid it was unresolved and today I spoke to my business partner as he constantly says we are picking on her ( not true) . I was trying to explain that if members of staff feel she as an employee she is being treated differently of course it will cause problems and staff concerns that have been put in writing should be listened to . But I was told in no uncertain terms I am wrong . She should be treated different because she is an owner by association. So basically put up with it or leave ?
My argument is I am in business with my partner not his wife unless he gives her a management role? And that is no excuse for some of the things she has done ? For example shouting in my face or reading his private emails.Am I really wrong ?

Its not your business if she reads his email but the shouting in your face is completely unreasonable. I would be giving your partner a price that you feel is fair and marketable price for your half of the business (if he doesn't accept sell it to anyone else) and leave for greener pastures. Life is too damn short for what you are dealing with

YANBU atall OP.

He is majority share holder . So I can’t buy him out.
And if she reads his private work emails from other members of staff then I do think that is out of order. How can staff have confidence in talking to him about problems .

I know I have actions I can take but it’s just a bit like being gaslighted at work. If someone tells you very firmly you are wrong you begin to doubt yourself .

Can you sell your shares? I’d get out of there.

I was selling my shares before covid happened . Unfortunately the documents had been drawn up but not signed.

@Leaannb

Its not your business if she reads his email but the shouting in your face is completely unreasonable. I would be giving your partner a price that you feel is fair and marketable price for your half of the business (if he doesn't accept sell it to anyone else) and leave for greener pastures. Life is too damn short for what you are dealing with

Of course it her business if the wife reads emails that isn't privvy to other employees, Don't be so ridiculous Seek legal advice OP

No, no, no. There’s no such thing as ‘owner by association’. She’s not a shareholder and she absolutely shouldn’t be treated differently from other employees.

Unfortunately, if the majority shareholder isnt on board it willbe very difficult to do anything about it. I would sell those shares and move on asap.

Thanks for replies . I think I was just a bit shocked by the comments today . And I agree I need to move on ( hard after working for the company for 20 years ) it’s a sad situation but I have made my opinion clear today in no uncertain terms . Its just that feeling that you know he will tell her everything and you have to work with her the next day . But I at least will be professional.

Sorry, but I think there is a deep issue here that’s unlikely to resolve itself and it sounds like he will prioritise her over you. If he’s interested to buy you out, it could have even been his intention all along.

Do you work in the business? Or just own shares? Also, what percentage do you own? If less than 26%, best to move on. If more than 26%, you might have options, but not ones I’d consider worthwhile.

If a shareholder only, you can work towards selling them or ask that he buys you out. If working in the business, you can leave operationally (and also look to sell)?

I’d say sell up and start up for yourself, with a happy workforce. No better time than right now to start a business.

Yes I am in a position to move on as long as I agree a price for my shares . Luckily I can afford to wait for them to be paid to me .