Should I file a complaint against coworker for some sort of harrassment?

Question

I work as a contractor for a large corporation, and there is another contractor there as well in my department. I was assigned a fun project that the other guy is jealous that I have the authority to own the project while he is supposed to assist me. While the boss has been out of town, the coworker has been trying to bully me, tell me how to do my job, and even told me that my work was "bullshit." I'm at odds, and utterly surprised (and a little amused at how juvenile and transparent he is). I have no sexual, race other bias to base his harassment on (I am an attractive minority female, but unless I have obvious evidence I don't pull out the race or sexual harassment card). At the same time I don't think it's right him using foul language and trying to bully me regardless of his reasons.

If you were me, would you report this and if so, how? He doesn't scare me (as I said, he's a stupid little boy throwing a fit and I'm on to him), but at the same time I want a completely hostile free environment to work in regardless if I can handle him or not. Plus, it might be good to teach him a lesson in case he tries this behavior with other women? What do you think are his motive and what should I do, sit back and watch him act stupid or report him?

underexposed... · Accepted Answer

that is a tough call.

If he is predictable when he starts his tirade you can set a trap for him. You could have your supervisor come to your office/cubical at a certain time for a meeting when he/she is not expected. Don't bait your co-worker but start a discussion about what he is going to work on a few minutes before the supervisor arrives.

If he runs true to form, he will say inappropriate things to you and hang himself. You would not ask him to be fired but you would "prefer" to have an assistant who was a "team player". The supervisor may take things into his/her own hands and get rid of him for you without your comment...best scenario.

Make the request to have the supervisor there a legitimate one...you have something to show him....just don't tell the co-worker that he is coming.

As far as a recording goes....I don't think that it is illegal to have such a recording but I think it would depend on the State you lived in....apparently the law varies. I wonder about the use of "Nanny Cams" and their legality...it seems they are used all the time...At home, in a nursing home, surveillance in general....I think the trap idea has merit. Just make it legitimate the reason for calling the supervisor and if you start the conversation with the bully a few minutes before the supervisor arrives...done deal.

Anonymous · Answer

People might tell you to secretly record here but that is a waste of time, a recording would only be admissible if he knows you are recording and obviously then he would not speak.
You need witnesses that is the only thing that will do, but then you say he is your assistant, that means you are over him?? It does where I'm from..

Bruce K · Answer

If he is swearing at you, it is workplace harassment.  Bring in a small recorder, and turn it on discreetly when he starts ranting.  Then you have something to back up the claim, and some leverage, if you know what I mean

Ed Atun · Answer

Your best bet is to ignore him. You won't get much satisfaction with a complaint.

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Should I file a complaint against coworker for some sort of harrassment?

4 Answers