Derogatory comments used by managers

[blacc]

I work in a supermarket where a new ops manager has been appointed. I found out recently that there is a group chat for the managers where they have been commenting on the staff that work in the area of the store where I work. The terms that have been used to describe us who work in this department by certain members of management can only be described as disgusting and derogatory and I am willing to take this further. However, AIBU to ask to see these messages or will the fact that another manager having described what has been said be enough for me to take it to either our union or HR?

Grow up. You'll never get to see the messages unless an insider gives them to you.
Without that you're wasting your time and 'taking it further'would only see you managed out the door.

@Watchingyou2sleezes

Grow up. You'll never get to see the messages unless an insider gives them to you. Without that you're wasting your time and 'taking it further'would only see you managed out the door.

Ops manager.....is that you?!

I think you would be hard-pushed to take this on a 'he/she/they said' line - however, it might be worth looking into whether or not your company has a whistle-blowing policy (most big orgs will) and, if so, I'd ask a union rep (USDAW is the shop-workers' union, I believe) for more info.

I would imagine messages will be deleted as soon as they get wind..

I think you would have a hard time accessing the messages. I'm guessing WhatsApp isnt an approved communications platform for your organisation.

They are nasty dickheads and I would like to think Karma will do for them.

What are you being called?

@xxxGirlCrushxxx

What are you being called?

Fucking retards

I'm not easily offended but this is not acceptable to be called this and laughed about in a managerial group chat. What makes it worse is that we have a girl with learning difficulties in our team.

I’m not sure GDPR still applies in the UK - if it does you would be entitled to make a data subject access request to see what is written down about you.

Try and get your hands on the messages before reporting it.It's disgraceful and shouldn't happen.

You're absolutely right to challenge this but I think I'd go above anyone in the store if this is indicative of the culture. Or to the most senior person if not. It's very difficult if you have no proof.

I also hate to say this but you'd need to be prepared to leave if it doesn't go your way. You shouldn't need to but I suspect your life would be made very difficult.

There is a whistleblower charity who might be able to advise you. I once used them myself. (It did go my way and life was a lot better.)

@blacc
No, but I run plenty of businesses, and without an prima facie evidence you're just wasting your time

any

@Watchingyou2sleezes gosh I bet you're absolutely delightful to work for. Telling people to grow up because they don't like being called a retard...just wonderful!

[quote Knickynackynoo]@Watchingyou2sleezes gosh I bet you're absolutely delightful to work for. Telling people to grow up because they don't like being called a retard...just wonderful![/quote]
Grow up was for the foolish attitude. You obviously have trouble following the order of information. There was no mention of the actual insulting words when I commented that. I was telling her how it is in the real world- get proper evidence to back up a grievance or don't bother starting it.

Who said it? And when? How many times?

You will need facts. But I think it will all be deleted. The person who told you ... is it a reliable source? Because it will all come out about this person telling you.

Unless you have the actual proof I wouldn’t do anything

It will be he said/she said based on third party information. Unless you can get the person who saw the messages, and who hopefully has a copy of them to take it forward it’s a case of leave it, but be aware and if you can get any evidence in the future report then

@Labelicious

I’m not sure GDPR still applies in the UK - if it does you would be entitled to make a data subject access request to see what is written down about you.

It does still exist, but unless someone specifically wrote "Black is a fucking retard" a subject access request won't apply in this case. From the sound of it. If they just said " I have fucking retards working under me" then there's no specific subject, so nothing to report.

You need the software from Person of Interest to force pair one of their phones. Joking, obvs.

Sorry I’ve nothing useful to advise but I’m really sorry you’re working for such a horrible human. He’s probably rubbish at his job too