I feel like I'm being victimised in the work place?

Question

I work in a large, nationwide store. Nine months ago I started seeing a colleague, there is nothing to state that this isn't allowed in our employee hand book. However for the past two months or so our managers have become very difficult about the situation.  

We work on different departments but sometimes work the same shifts, which is how it has been since we started working together 3 years ago. Now our store manager complains if we are in on the same shifts and questions why and how this has happened. If we work the same shift we tend to take breaks at the same times, mainly because we have 3 breaks a day, one every two hours, so they fall at the same time. The same with all the other staff that work the same shifts. If we work different shifts we take breaks separately.  However, we have now been told that we aren't allowed to take breaks together. When we were just friends taking breaks together was never a problem. 

Our store manager has had words with both our department managers about his concerns. My boyfriends manager does not share the store managers concerns but my manager has been accusing me of swapping shifts to work the same as my boyfriend which has never happened.

If we both happen to be in the same part of the store for any reason there is all of a sudden an urgent need by one of the managers for one of us to be somewhere else even if we have a completely legitimate reason for being where we are. 

Sometimes I need help form a male member of staff as in my department there is often a need for heavy lifting which can get too much for me. I will ask the first male I see, which is often my boyfriend as he is one of the hardest working members of staff there and is always about. I try to find other male members but my priority is serving the customer as quickly and efficiently as possible so why shouldn't I ask the first person I see even if it is my boyfriend? 

I feel we are being victimised due to our relationship and would like other peoples opinion on this before I decide if I should do something or not. 

Thank You

I don't know if this is in the right category, if not please point me in the right direction :)

Doethineb · Accepted Answer

I don't think that this can really be described as victimisation. Many enterprises have concerns about the effects of close relationships between members of staff, which can lead to all manner of unfortunate situations. There may be a top management policy not to have people in the same branch who are married to each other or in a quasi-marital situation (i.e. living together). You give the impression that you are simply dating this young man, but perhaps they are concerned that it goes further than this.

xpatinasia · Answer

If this really occurred, you would have contacted the company's HR department.  Your post is a hoax.

? · Answer

nothing i can see your employer has done is victimisation. they are not making you life a misery, just being a bit awkward.
if i was you i would CHECK your own behaviour as most employees will be happy to have hardworking employess, if you are this , why would they push you out?
on the other hand, there are a lot of bad bosses about and you may have one.

The very best thing you can do is ask for a one on one with your boss, and talk to him about your concerns, i would advise taking a 3rd party with you (which you are entitled to), another friend from you workplace is best, you will probably find the situation changes drastically once all parties have had a chance to ait their views.
dont even think about tribunals and lawsuits please (at this stage), you are wasting your time.

love and peace 

s

Spiny Norman · Answer

Many civil service organisations and local authority offices do not allow married couples to work in the same de partment or building. 
I think there is a concern that this can sometimes cause problems.
You should speak to the head of your department and see what concerns he / she might have.
Certainly you need to get the situation out in the open and stop feeling that you are being picked on.
Remember they are in the business of making money and will not want conflict to arise with relationships that will compromise its functioning in the most efficient manner.

Anonymous · Answer

well if what you said is true the managers are in the wrong completly, id take what you said here to the  PR desk or what ever you have there and file a complaint

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I feel like I'm being victimised in the work place?

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