Workplace bullying.

[TiredOfBeingNumber84OnAnyList]

It's not me but one of my colleagues.

He suffered an illness approx 18 months ago and was off sick for about a year. He came back to work part time. He doesn't have to do Saturdays like the rest of us. One of my colleagues looks at the clock to see what time he is arriving, never mind that he is generally working past his time at the end of his shift.

This particular colleague has no sympathy for his illness. She suffered something similar (she had cancer and blood clots and was in a terrible state herself 5 years previously) She has an issue that he doesn't work on Saturdays as our contracts say we must do 2 as and when required.

I have told her that I have no problem with him and that he has been a really calming influence during a very hard and demanding time at work. There are 2 other colleagues who share similar feelings towards this colleague. I have also told them that I have no problem with him and they are not being fair to him.

Thay have prejudiced views towards him because he is a JW and think he is a hypocrite to take holiday during the time of Christmas and Easter.

What do I do? Should my colleagues be taken down the disciplinary route? I heard one of them nicknaming him Hitler today. One of these colleagues is close friends with my line manager and I wonder what effect this will have on my team.

Okay, I've told an acting manager today about some of it and I have asked her to keep an eye on the situation. I have also spoken to a few other colleagues about the situation. They do believe that there are a few people who are being unkind towards him. I will have to speak to my managers properly in the new year.

No advice but well done you for noticing and being willing to try and do something about it

Hi.

Nicknaming him Hitler is antisemitic and illegal.

Thank you for making a stand.

Clicked on the wrong button!

Am glad you spoke out and please monitor the situation.

Also, contact the Office of the Chief Rabbi in London if you are not sure how to act re. the antisemitic comments.

Just to clarify - do you mean that he's a Jehova's Witness?

Yes Bluestocking - He (X) is a Jehovas Witness. He doesn't make an issue out of his religion and is quiet and reserved, so he hasn't (imo) made himself appear to have extreme views. Actually to tell you the truth, me and my colleagues are probably more hypocritical than him, we celebrate a Christian holy day but I know that I haven't been to church to celebrate Christmas every year.

When I told my manager, she said she was quite surprised, she thought I would be complaining that he was not pulling his weight. I think some of that mud which has been slung at him has stuck.

Also there was an incident yesterday where X and another colleague snapped at eachother. He was not to blame yet he apologised to her, I don't think she reciprocated. I witnessed this and I am ashamed to say that I didn't say anything to the antagoniser.

have you considered telling him how pleased you are that he is back and that you enjoy working with him. It may be a bit of a boost at the right time? or asking him how hes finding being back at wor?
and,
actually it is no-one elses business the hrs that he works, their only concern should be their own contracts imho

Oops! Thought JW was netiquette for Jewish.

My comments still stand - but maybe not so relevant to contact Office of Chief Rabbi!

It sounds like you have a difficult situation. Not sure what to say except to keep being friendly to him and not let him feel isolated.

Yes, well done for taking a stand.

Sounds like a disciplinary matter to me, but you are in a difficult position. I would keep an eye on it over the next couple of weeks, and also note down any comments/incidents as you will need evidence/reminders should this ever reach the employment tribunals (which it sounds like it could).

How does he feel about the treatment? It sounds as though you have done the right thing so far keeping an eye out for him and mentioning it to a couple of people to monitor it. Is he feeling bullied himself?

I haven't spoken to him about it, so I'm unaware of the effects on him, but I've kept an eye on the situation.

It hasn't seemed so bad this week although there were a few comments about him not pulling his weight wrt working at the weekends. I suggested that he is still under our health support scheme and he is not allowed to work. When i mentioned this comment to my line manager she replied "if he was under the healthcare scheme, do you really think that would prevent them making sly comments?" It's true, even if there is a genuine reason why he isn't working the hours we all have to work, I think they would find a reason to pick on him.

I watched X when X first started as one of the antagonisers had said that X had made comments about him. That he treated him differently because he was gay. But I have not found this to be the case. He has always been polite to all of my colleagues.

I'm hoping this is all sorted by the time I return to work.