Dealing with a difficult colleage- advice needed

[incy]

I posted earlier in the month saying that I was having problems with my timetable (I am a teacher)as I was told with two days notice I had to work a Monday afternoon when I didn't have childcare. It was eventually all sorted (I had to get the union involved) and the timetable was changed. This affected someone elses timetable and they sent a really nasty e mail to my line manager (who happens to be her best friend) saying how angry she was, how selfish and horrible I was, how my contribution to teaching was doubtful etc and she also copied the e mail to all senior management. I have complained and she has been made to appologise (via e mail) but now I have to return to work and see her and I'm not sure how to handle it. I also have to see my line manager who told me I was cold and unapproachable the last time I saw her. Any advice ?

That makes me so cross!! I'm also a teacher and have been lucky enough to have been well supported by by Head o Dept and everyone else involved, despite taking hours of another part-timer. As far as I'm concerned b***ks to them all! Being a mum is hard enough without all that hassle. Go to work and behave calmly and pleasantly as if everything is fine. They have no right to create and issue out of this and if you don't sink to their level, you can be rest assured if anything happens, you have been mature and professional. Obviously if you felt it would help, and that it would make a difference it may be worth sitting down with the other teacher and line manager and discuss the situation out in the open. They seem to have ganged up(if they are friends) and perhaps if someone else was there this wouldn't be so possible. Ultimately you now have the timetable you need, so enjoy work and as long as you make an effort with them you can hold your head high!

Thanks Tearingmyhairout, I am going in to see my line manager's boss tomorrow to talk about it all. The college were not happy about it all and agreed it was not acceptable - however my union rep suggested that this behaviour may continue -the two women (line manager and friend) may just be a bit more careful (less obvious) about how they make life difficult for me in the future. I worked FT at this college for years and always changed my timetable to accomodate PT workers and so I really don't see what the big issue is.

Pre-empt them. Go to Human Resources with a copy of the email and the history of your grevience. Ask what measures are being put into place to prevent as escalation of the problem. Inform them there is a history of bullying here and you want to flag it up before the current escalation gets any worse. Quote phrases like 'Duty of Care' and 'Sex discrimination'. Every time an incudent occurs, write it down and send a copy to HR. It will annoy them, but the point will be made.

look here for help.

If it's any help, I've just dealt with a similar situation in a college and won.

Thanks slug, it makes me feel better that I am not alone in this. Went in for meeting today and they have assured me matter has been dealt with and won't happen again but will take your advice and flag up any further incident which happens.