Bullying / Harrassment + RSI what is best

fumken

I have been on a job for four years. When I started, the team had problems one of which led to a "case" of some sort - involving racial discrimination. I was told it would soon be my turn by the victim, but thought, as long as I work hard, I will be fine. Both parties also tried to use me for evidence and I stayed neutral as I did not know the background.

I worked so hard and ended up with RSI, late nights early mornings, working more from home etc . (OCC HLT confirmed I had a very bad chair as it was unstable and I got a new one.) Eventually, I got very ill for six weeks and returned.

I also happened to be doing a course at the same place (part time). There were issues with poor supervision of this course and changing my topic after finishing the first project and other mismanagement issues. All I asked for was more support with the course and to retain the old topic. (The supervisor for the course is my boss)

Now my boss is constantly harrassing me,false accusations of "slow work". Some others have joined her. My emails are ignored and I am excluded when possible and derogratory comments are made about my work in the presence of junior members of staff. They also make sure they "nominate" me for work that involve typing, knowing my health condition.

I recently joined the union, but it seems I have not been there for long enough, as although I got some support from a rep, my case was ignored for two months. I joined about 2 months before I contacted them.

Now I am really in poor shape. Constantly watching my back and it is really affecting my health. Anxiety, lack of sleep and now high BP. I am even afraid to attend my medical appointments. Today, the doctor did my BP and signed me off for the rest of the week.

It is complicated since work and studies are bleeding into each other. I dont know whether to just resign and forget about 4 years of studies or find paid legal advice. When I read employment threads there seems to be little one can do to 'prove' these incidents. I feel helpless in this case.:(

tizerbelle

Only you can decide what to do but if the union won't represent you then I would say you need to get legal advice to understand the chance of success should you proceed before you make any decisions.

Although from the response you got on another forum I reckon you will be fighting an uphill battle.

Sambucus_Nigra

I don't think I can add any more than what SarEl has said on the other forum.

Apart from; if you do feel that you want to take it further in the future; make sure you are documenting everything - date, time, who said or did what.

Emmzi

you gave the other forum a lot more detaiil, why do you expect a "better" answer here with less?

Personally I'd keep my head down for as long as it took to the the qualification done, ask boss to be honest about reasons for changing topics, wanting more grants is not of itself evil, and keep my head down until I was qualified.

Or assuming it is a university refer to their standards committee.

MyUserName_4

Emmzi wrote: »

you gave the other forum a lot more detaiil, why do you expect a "better" answer here with less?

Personally I'd keep my head down for as long as it took to the the qualification done, ask boss to be honest about reasons for changing topics, wanting more grants is not of itself evil, and keep my head down until I was qualified.

Or assuming it is a university refer to their standards committee.

It does sound like a university, perhaps the OP is working towards a PhD or a doctorate? Hence, the grants and "changing the subject". If this is the case, unfortunately you will various forums littered with people complaining about their bad or bullying supervisors. Academics aren't always good at (or trained for) managing people.

As far as practical advice, I would recommend that you document everything and try to keep hold of (and obtain) as much evidence as you can (e.g. print off e-mails and take them home), just in case. Try to get things in writing where possible.

Is there a counselling service at your institution? This is obviously having an effect on you mentally. It may help you to get some support.

In relation to your RSI, have you considered using DragonSpeak (I think that's what it's called) or similar software? It may ease the burden.

fumken

Thank you all

It is indeed affecting me. I was very ill when I posted earlier having just returned from hospital in the night and found to have high blood pressure, which I have never had.
As I was clearly disturbed, unable to sleep, I posted a brief summary here bearing in mind that every stroke of typing is an effort. Indeed the other forum was helpful and I found them through MSE in the first place, but it is good to get different perspectives.

Clearly I am trying to preserve anonymity. I now have Dragon, but it takes time to train and sadly as with many people who have to use it, when you are under pressure, it is easier to revert to what you know best, particularly as I am being watched and have tight deadlines. So I am still trying to learn to use Dragon well.

Many thanks.

patman99

Speech recognition software works well once you have 'trained' it. As for 'RSI', it is no longer a recognised illness.
You would start a case for 'Work-induced muscular strain disorder'. You will find Occ Health will tell you you have no case. I was told this when I mentioned to the visiting OHN that I had been treated for it.
Luckily, I found a no-win, no-fee Solicitor who disagreed and got me £5k in compo. you do however, only have 2 years to start a claim.