NICS Grievance

pepper33

Has anyone taken a grievance through HR Connect, to do with bullying at their workplace?

leftieM

Talk to your trade union (NIPSA). You are going to need them if you are taking a grievance like this.

pepper33

leftieM wrote: »

Talk to your trade union (NIPSA). You are going to need them if you are taking a grievance like this.

Yes I am in touch with them, but they advised that it is a very long and difficult procedure. I copy everything to my seconded officer, and he advises me, and keeps me straight. My grievance has been lodged with HR Connect and I have had the equality officer from my department out to collect some evidence to decide whether it can be dealt with informally. I want HR Connect to do the investigation, so if my dept decide they will deal with it informally. I have been off sick because of the bullying, and I know that they will not deal with it, as they never should have let the things happen anyway.:T

jamesy1986

My girlfriend put a grievance for bullying in the NICS but it took months to sort out, I was surprised with the amount of corruption that goes on when I was told about it - She finally won.

The union were next to useless.

Copy and document everything, make sure any complaints to your management is documented and backed up in a time stamped email if possible, so that it can be printed easily.

NICS are unbelievably bureaucratic, so you need to play them at their own game essentially. Things will go "missing", make sure you have everything in writing, electronically or on paper.

pepper33

Thanks Jamesy, yes particularly my sick lines have gone missing, I have been harrased by my department, as to how can they help get me back to work..... My problem is a lot of stuff is over a period of 6 years, and it is against three people all in management. Yes the nics is corrupt, and it is full of managers, who bully people because they have nothing else to do. I have emails and dates for some of the things, as I thought it was me that was too sensitive...... thanks for that info, and at least she won, although it destroys your confidence etc. Did they settle our of court or where the bullies disciplined? Just wondering because this grievance procedure seems very complicated and as you say the union are useless, as I have done a lot research on the internet, and the labour relations agency etc. But I will carry on, as I am not prepared to let these people get away with it.

NAR

pepper33 wrote: »

I have been harrased by my department, as to how can they help get me back to work.....

I find this a bit contradictory? Do you not want to get back to work?

Returning to work should have no affect on your claim for bullying and it certainly shouldn't be condoned. Think all Departments have their quota of bullies.
Two things that will benefit you greatly:-
1) Statements from those that witnessed you being bullyied; and
2) Statements from others that have been bullied by the same individuals (maybe quite difficult to get).

motorguy

NAR wrote: »

I find this a bit contradictory? Do you not want to get back to work?

Returning to work should have no affect on your claim for bullying and it certainly shouldn't be condoned. Think all Departments have their quota of bullies.
Two things that will benefit you greatly:-
1) Statements from those that witnessed you being bullyied; and
2) Statements from others that have been bullied by the same individuals (maybe quite difficult to get).

As you say, witness statements are key.

RE: point 2, i took my manager up for bullying in a previous job role and when they interviewed others he had bullied them too, however 'the management' interpreted that as that was just this guys approach as he did it with others and not just with me!

"Yes it turns out Mr Weake is a serial psychopath, not a bully"

(name changed to protect the guilty)

pepper33

what way did your bring your manager for bullying, as yes, the staff were all bullied and the two managers of our office, were bullied. But I know getting evidence will be hard, as people are afraid to speak out. But I was the one that was treated differently, no tea break, picking on everything I did, leave not granted for 6 months........keeping back expenses, theunion sorted that out, and she told lies, and blamed someone else. Most of my proof is in work though, but I had a lot of it at home. I have a post secured in another office, and I will be able to do a phased return.....

mrsrwallace

pepper, keep accurate records of every little thing. I'm not in NICS but in my workplace there was a colleague who made everyone's life a misery, she undermined, belittled, criticised and !!!!!ed about me and another colleague. When it came to a head and we complained about her to management, she turned it all around and counter-accused US of bullying her!!

Truth eventually emerged however she got away with it and gave no apology or anything. Union rep was useless and management told us that was "just her way"!!!!! and we should tolerate it! The nerve of some people!

steveymp

Sorry to hear of your trouble at work, keep on at the union, phone or email them everyday for updates, remind them that you pay their wages and as a member expect nothing but 100% commitment to your case.

I know NIPSA are the equivalent of an ashtray on a motorbike (I am a member:o) but don't let them forget about you, if your local rep is useless go over their head or write to Mr Campfield himself, that always tends to get a reaction.

Grievances can take a long time, I have an 8 year pay one still outstanding but that's the Health Service for you.

As others have said, Document, time and date everything, get witness statements and never go into a discussion with management about this without a rep by your side.

I wish you the best for this, harassment in the work place is not a pleasant thing.

pepper33

I had a temporary injury at work in, to get my pay restored,as they caused the injury, but it has been forwarded to my managers manager. And now I hear from people in work, there have been meeting after meeting, and it has been with them over a month. They are asking everyone in the office, do they feel bullied? But I know I have to continue with my grievance, if only for my own peace of mind. Union guy is no good, only replies now and again, and NIPSA have said that it is very hard process.... it is making me ill....
Thanks Mrs Wallace as well your advice and also everyone elses, seem to spur me on. I know of someone that went to their MLA, and suddenly her case started moving. And seemingly I cannot see what they have written about me, but under FOI I can obtain it. Bullies destroy your life and seem to get away with it......my confidence has gone, and suicide came into my thoughts at the time I was working. I am trying to be strong, as anyone used the Labour Relations Agency?