Is this bullying and should I take it further

[strawberryblondebint]

Hi
I work for a local council in a small team. We are all newish to the council and all on temp contracts. Despite this we have bonded really well (so I thought) and work well together. There is a fair amount of debate due to the job but this is normal and we all get on. There is one male member of staff in his fifties who can be difficult at times. Prone to grumpiness. Upsets external clients, seems to get a bee in his bonnet and can be a pain but we are all fairly protective of each other with some of the team leaders who can be tricky and obstructive.
On Tuesday one colleague asked an opinion on something. Mr x replied with what he thought. I disagreed and pointed out what I thought was correct. At this point he challenged me stating he had a law degree, the website I was looking at was wrong, he didn't care what I said etc. basically he shot me down in flames and would not listen to anything I said. I actually told him as he was clearly not willing to listen to anything I had to say so there was no point continuing the conversation. I turned back to my own work. All afternoon he was clearly in a huff and for the next two days he was very off with me and other team members. I was trying to act normal and make light conversation however he was still off with me.
On fri morning though he came into work and when the management had left the room to go to a meeting erupted at me. There was one other team member there. I actually though he was joking at first and asked if he was as I was shocked. He was purple in the face, wagging his finger at me and making all sorts of accusations. Everyone hates me, I interfere,I am out to get him, he has reported me to management before, I am 2 faced. Even random stuff like I have a problem with police (he is ex copper). Basically he was vile and I felt sick and shaken. Vitriol would be the word for his rant I suppose. I can't even really remember what I said back but I tried to stay calm and again turned away. My other colleague told him she was horrified and that he had made her really uncomfortable.
I emailed my line manager and she took me off to another room and I outlined what happened. He then went off with her and finally she brought me back to the room with her. I was effectively told it was a clash of personalities and we would have to rub along being polite to each other and to avoid entering into any debate with him. I accepted this as I was leaving that afternoon for a weeks holiday and I couldn't wait to get out.
However the more I think about it the more upset and angry I feel.
Can I do anything. Should I do anything. My line manager is pretty ineffectual. I actually don t want to go back to work and have to try and do my job in a total atmosphere. I know my colleagues support me and they don't feel I interfere or annoy them like he suggested but I am totally paranoid now. Been crying on and off since it happened. I'm a grown woman for fecks sake.

First off write everything down to your recollection as soon as possible.

Be specific about dates and times, who was there when each episode happened.

Then with the meeting, write down what happened to your recollection.

Then get onto the phone to ACAS or if you can join the union go to them with advice. There are several ways this can play out, but what is most important is that you get what you need.

I've worked with ex police and I think its fair to say that its like playtime with rottweilers, all fun and bouncy until something pricks pride and then you don't know what's hit you - and its bloody terrifying, there's a reason they are EX coppers.

Sorry just to finish, you can absolutely push this higher than line manager, you can request another meeting with a director or have an informal meeting with HR to begin with.

It really is in your control, but make sure you have safe people around you to talk about this with - supportive friends or family.

I really hope things settle down once you get back, but I'd have a plan ready in case they don't.

Thanks guys. I guess I'm just terrified of making things worse or that I am over reacting. I hate confrontation and I have a huge amount of crap happening with my mother that is impacting on my mood. I bloody came off my anti depressants as well and was proud of myself for coping so well. The worst thing is it came out of the blue and I just can't see a way past it. I'm not looking for revenge but I also hate that some one can make me feel like this in a fucking work environment. I hate atmosphere. I'm a people pleaser and if I let this go I will be allowing his behaviour and letting him think it's ok to behave like that. I think my line manager thinks having a chat with us both and telling me to just work with him is her trying to make it disappear. This is the council though and that's what normally happens. My friend has been working in a different section with a woman who completely blanks her and won't speak her name for over 2 years and I have seen the effect this has had on her. No one will deal with it. I have always worked in the private sector where things like this are dealt with promptly and managed well so this brush it under the carpet is new to me. I just don't know if I can handle the fallout.

What you have described is way more than a clash of personalities, and will impact the whole team as at least one other person saw it and will be walking in egg shells around him.

That behaviour is unprofessional and unacceptable. The team need to know he understand that and it won't happen again. And you are due an apology. I would throw in that as it currently stands, you feel unsafe working with him (then you have a H&S angle to fall back on)

Thanks herm. That eggshell comment was spot on. The 2 other team members are female as well and hating it. In particular the one who witnessed it felt in a a state of shock. She is supporting me 100 percent yet she was never asked her account of what had happened which seemed odd

This is really weak management, so actually if there are several members of staff feeling uncomfortable there should be some escalation to HR.

These things don't go away, and the manager needs and additional training and support if they really think this is all going to disappear.

When you get back, ask for another meeting with them and ask for hr to be there, you don't want to be walking on eggshells - why should you!

Alarm bells will ring if your manager does not want hr involved.

Ask what will happen if there's another outburst, how will you be kept safe - there is no reason why you should be used as an emotional battering ram at work.

Thanks time. I have a colleague in a totally different department whom I trust and who can get me a copy of any policies whilst I am off. I am writing everything down and I'm going to try and enjoy my week off. Then I'm going to hr. I really appreciate everyone's advice. I luffs mumsnet. I'm feeling less upset and more outraged. Will see how I am by next Sunday night though.