probably going to lose my job LONG UPATE

[Deleted]

I work at a very laid back place (at least it used to be).  My boss has always said that she believes everything comes out in the wash so if I had to leave for a few hours to get my daughter to an appt or something then just work some extra some other days of the week to make up the time. 
so that is always how I have done things. This past summer my boss had a mini breakdown and was out all summer.  I had a very busy summer (summer is the busiest) and worked really hard.  I usually worked at least a few hours during the week from home and never put them on my timecard.  I worked an average of 45 hours per week and got paid for 40.

FF to this past friday. I get a call from school DD is sick I have to go get her.  So I worked 9-10:30.  I had originally put 830 as my start time bc that was the time I started all summer but my kids bus comes at 830 so now in fall i come in at 9, but in my haste to leave I forgot to change it to 9.  I called my co worker, she made the change and I told her to put three hours from home on my timecard as I was going to be working from home. 

I worked all of the time noted on my time card. 

So my boss comes back on Monday from her hiatus and says "What is going on with your timecard.  So and So put a note on it for HR and told them that you are submitting fraudulent time cards." He thought that I was saying I was IN work for the three hours I worked from home.  I tell her the story she says "oh okay no prob".  The So and so that put the note on the time card works in my area and while I certainly didn't chat with him yesterday I didn't ignore him either.  I was super busy and kind of forgot about the nonsense. (this part is important for later)

So this morning my boss comes in and basically tells me I am getting written up for a number of things.  That So and So told them I lie about what time I come in and that they pulled the video of times I came in and they were not consistent.  Iwas shocked. I told her I never lie on my timecard and that is ridiculous. She said that one day I put 9 but I came in at 910.  I asked her if she saw that I walked out at 530 that night instead of 510 (again all comes out in the wash).  She said she hates that she has to do this but HR has said I have to be written up.  I was also told I can no longer work from home ever.  (I only work from home if a child is sick. My entire job could be done from home but whatever).  I say fine I won't work from home. I was pretty upset. 

So after I get written up my boss reads me an email that So and So sent her and HR saying that he wants to have a meeting with them tomorrow morning to discuss how I have created a hostile environment and that once I get written up it will be worse and he wants to know how he should deal with that.

I AM FLOORED> I have never had any problems with so and so.  NEVER.  As a matter of fact, while its superficial, we have gotten along just fine since he started in April.  This came out of left field and isn't something that I would have expected in a million years.

I know you guys don't know me but I can give you my word, I am not hostile, I am a calm nice person. If anything sometimes I can be overly friendly and silly.  I am just blown away.  Fine I will take the blame that I came in at 910 and not 900 and should have noted it as so and made sure I noted my end time too. But to be honest writing down a time card is so archaec that sometimes if I don't do it daily I don't remember if I came in at 850 9 910 or whatever. I do know I give 40 hours of my life to this place (at least) EVERY WEEK

I am afraid that he is laying the ground work for me to get fired. I mean they can right? If I am (as he alleges) creating a hostile work environment, then it would be grounds for termination esp since I just got written up.  I am sick over this.

SN: I am not at work now I worked 7-3 so I am not doing this on work time LOL. 

What do you think of this? 

UPDATE:
So my boss came in like a firecracker told So and so he needs to learn something called Chain of command.  I heard a lot of "You've got a lot to learn" etc... I didn't hear him mostly my boss.  I also hear "Why would you call a meeting with her after you have accused her of being hostile and think that would be okay.. do you have rocks in your head"

So that went on for a bit then I went in.  He was shaking a bit very nervous.  Told me he was wrong, he shouldn't have gone to HR if he had a concern to which my boss said he shouldn't have had a concern its not his group.  

The cliff notes version is that a co worker of mine (from his group not mine) complained that I was getting special treatment and she PULLED MY TIME CARD AND BROUGHT IT TO HIM and told him that I was writing the wrong times.  SHE THEN PULLED THE TAPES TO SEE WHAT TIME I CAME IN THAT DAY.   My boss was so pissed.  So I said to him "Who pulled my time card" FULLY EXPECTING HIM TO SAY "Well they came to me in confidence so I cannot say".. NOPE. He told me

So now this woman I work with went to thim complaining about my timecard and watch video of our employee entrance to see that I put 9 on my time card but came in at 910. 

We then addressed the whole "hostile work environment" to which he said that he never said that. My boss pulled up the email he sent to both her and HR and read it verbatim.  He tried to side step it.  He said that he was going by what this wench was saying that I was making her uncomfortable and that I was creating a hostile work environment. 

My boss went on the school him on what happens when you make such a ridiculous statement and how HR has to investigate those claims esp now that they were in writing and that I will have that accussation whether true or not in my file. 

She literally said "Don't you think you have done enough damage by getting her written up on a technicality"

So now I know who is a snake.  Its weird. She gave me a big bag of hand me downs for my son two weeks ago. Has always been very nice to my face.  But I guess she is a snake. 

My boss said off the record that she wouldn't be surprised if she was trying to force me out because she sees me as a threat.  Not sure.

So I didn't get fired.. my boss had my back (she was total rockstar) and I didn't sign anything THANKS LADIES.  Oh wait I did sign my write up but I wrote up a rebuttal and have a copy of everything.

I still feel sick to my stomach and I have to see her a million times every day. I am wondering if she knows HER BOSS threw her under the bus...

I would never do this but I just want to walk up to her and ask her if she sleeps well at night knowing she messed with someone so badly at work.  She's dreadful. 

Thanks for all your support as usual.

[sunshineluv]

My first reaction is that I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you will get fired. Some guy who has been there since April saying you make a hostile work environment is not grounds for dismissal, that is just one person saying one thing.

I would stand your ground about the time card, and get them to review the video of when you left.

I am sorry you are dealing with this. It is so petty and annoying.

[AlpineSlide]

That is sucky. I hope you don't get fired! And I honestly don't think it sounds like you're going down that road. I think the boss resolved it by writing you up and you're in the clear. Sorry you're dealing with this!

I also have hand written time cards and it's dumb.

[pittsmcgee]

I think the whole thing is B/S and So and So sounds like a megadouche.
Also, I thought we were the only company that still manually fills out timecards. So dumb.

You seem to get along fine with your boss. Can you set up a meeting and get it done before mega-douches meeting?

That's what I do when I am feeling extra panicky. I'm so sorry you have to have this hanging over your head now. I know what it feels like and its the worst feeling.
Good luck

[pinkeggs]

I think you need to arrange a meeting with HR, your boss, and this guy all together. Sit down, look him in the eyes, and ask for specific examples of how you have created a hostile environment. Then try and come to a conclusion you can all live with for now. Then at least it's documented that you tried to keep the peace and made an effort.

[Deleted]

Sept 10, 2013 14:37:01 GMT -5 AutumnRose25 said:

I'm sorry you are dealing with this crap. Your co-worker is being ridic.

While I totally agree with you that filling in time cards IS annoying, I don't know that you have a "good case" to argue that aspect.

It doesn't really matter if your boss if "okay" with hodgepodging your hours, even though they know you put in a full week.

As far as HR and finance is concerned, if they get audited the only numbers that matter are what are recorded so they are always sticklers for that.

I hope it all works out and you aren't fired.

And ya know what I get this.. and I took that punishment or write up in stride if you will. even though I was instructed on how to do it.  BUT this hostile work environment thing has me sick

[Kit]

I would think they have to prove that "hostile work environment" is occurring before they can terminate you, no?

Either way this sucks, I'm sorry.

[leeann]

I think your boss needs to sack up and tell HR/TPTB that she was alright with your time sheets not being accurate to the minute becase she knew you were putting in more than adequate time and that you will now be logging all hours exactly as the happen, so you may have more overtime.

I am sorry that your CW is making such a fuss. Frankly, it sounds like he needs more to do to occupy his time.

[snickers]

I'm sorry, I would be so frustrated. I hope it blows over soon and they come to their senses.

[retardy4thaparty]

Go in prepared to your meeting with the true definition of hostile work environment. Several people throw that around without realizing there is an actual definition.

If you are not harassing so and so based on gender, race, age or other legally protected characteristics, so and so doesn't have a leg to stand on.

[iammalcolmx]

The only issue I see here now is the Time-card issue. What is the written policy for filling out your time card? Also are you exempt or non-exempt? This is a lesson learned, be very careful with it. I know your heart was in the right place but since they are taking this issue so seriously you are going to have to take it seriously. I had a similar issue at a job about ten or so years ago, lesson learned.

As far as your crazy ass co-worker he better show someone the damn receipts saying that you created a hostile work environment. Since your coworker made the claim the company needs to cover their asses by performing in investigation. It's not a big deal.

[ax2]

poof

[snorky]

That sucks. Do you feel like CW is trying to get your job or something? I just don't understand why people act like asses to their colleagues- surely they must realize work is so much less dreadful when everyone gets along.

As for the time sheet thing, would HR be amenable to a time clock where you actually "punch in?" I know it's so sucky, but if they insist on keeping track and are squabbling over ten minutes, then that might be better for everyone, as opposed to having to remember exactly when you arrive and leave. They even have ones where you can just download the data, no need to keep track of actual paper cards.

[gretchenindisguise]

I've had to deal with the time-card bs at a past job. It made me positively livid - similar stuff. We had to clock in by a certain time, and if we worked late - well bonus for the agency but you still could not clock in 2 minutes late the next day without being written up. In the end, I decided it didn't work for me and I found a new job.

As for the hostile work environment - I think Lucy and pinkeggs have given you some good advice. I would want HR in the meeting with boss and coworker.

[karmasabiotch]

Ask for documentation how you have made this a hostile situation. They need a paper trail.

[Wrath0fKuus]

I'm sure it goes without saying, but in addition to everyone else's advice, start looking for new places to work.

[Deleted]

I just got an email from so and so asking to meet at 430. He is a coworker but also senior to me. I hate that I have to go into his office and meet with him when I am so upset.

[sunshineluv]

Sept 10, 2013 15:03:57 GMT -5 @sloanpeterson said:

I just got an email from so and so asking to meet at 430. He is a coworker but also senior to me. I hate that I have to go into his office and meet with him when I am so upset.

Good luck! You got this.

Don't be afraid to ask open ended questions putting them on the spot to respond with specifics.

[leeann]

Sept 10, 2013 15:03:57 GMT -5 @sloanpeterson said:

I just got an email from so and so asking to meet at 430. He is a coworker but also senior to me. I hate that I have to go into his office and meet with him when I am so upset.

Do you feel comfortable meeting with him alone?  I don't know that I'd do that considering how he seems to have a different view on the reality of your interactions than you do.

[Jalapeñomel]

Do not meet with this guy alone. Bad, bad idea.

[mushmouse]

Is it possible that other employees are complaining about your hours? Many, many people like to notice everything about people's hours EXCEPT the times they stay late. If other employees do not have the kind of flexibility you have had that could be where the problem is coming from. That's still not a hostile work environment so definitely make him prove that if that is what he really means.

[catwithspots]

Sept 10, 2013 15:03:57 GMT -5 @sloanpeterson said:

I just got an email from so and so asking to meet at 430. He is a coworker but also senior to me. I hate that I have to go into his office and meet with him when I am so upset.

NO!! HR is now involved so no this is not a good move unless you have an additional person present.

And double no if it is an office/closed doors, etc.

[Deleted]

Sept 10, 2013 14:49:41 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

Be ABSOLUTELY CONCILIATORY. Do not say something like, "Time cards are archaic," or make excuses or etc. Keep your head down, act surprised and upset that So-and-So thinks you're a bitch, express that you like So-and-So and you like your job and don't mean to cause trouble for anybody.

Whether or not they intend to fire you isn't really clear, honestly. Your boss seems to like you, yes? So maybe he will go to bat for you. If So-and-So claims you're creating a hostile work environment, they're required to investigate it, even if the claims are utterly baseless.

Lastly, you'll be tempted to give So-and-So the silent treatment. Don't. DON'T AVOID HIM. It'll just make it worse and he'll cite this as another reason you're being a bitch. Say "good morning," "good night," etc. Smile. A lot. He's clearly trying to make you miserable, so don't be miserable. Be pleasant and light with everyone in the office.

Agreed. Sit next to so-and-so in meetings. Say hello. Smile. Like it's part of your job.

[sunshineluv]

Oh wow, I misunderstood what she said, I thought the meeting was with her manager. NO WAY should you meet with the guy complaining alone.

[Deleted]

I'm sorry Sloane, this sucks. I agree with everything LHC has said, do not go and meet with him alone. keep us updated!

[Deleted]

I agree that I wouldn't meet him alone. I would email and ask to postpone until things were resolved, or I would forward it to my boss and ask them to come with me.

[fryjack2]

Sept 10, 2013 15:06:46 GMT -5 Lucy Honeychurch said:

Sept 10, 2013 15:03:57 GMT -5 @sloanpeterson said:

I just got an email from so and so asking to meet at 430. He is a coworker but also senior to me. I hate that I have to go into his office and meet with him when I am so upset.

NO.  I would not go unless there was someone else present until this is resolved.  Absolutely not.  Is there someone in HR on site you can have present?

DO NOT GO @sloanpeterson   If you want to meet with him, tell someone from HR that he requested to meet with you and you would like a neutral 3rd party present.   

[pedanticwench]

I really hope you didn't go to that "meeting" @sloanpeterson. LHC and many others are spot on in this thread. I wish you the best of luck!

[firedancer49]

This is a shitty situation to be in, I'm sorry.

[Deleted]

he's a superior but not my boss. I have no idea why it went this direction.