Bullying & Harrassment

[Radio]

Do rudeness and general nastiness by senior managers count as B&H? They are trying to prove that this is a part of human nature and anybody can become rude under certain circumstances. New HR guidelines show that the case should be completed and decision given within 36 days. Today is 38th day and they are all trying to save their buddy the manager, they will not uphold my complaint by the look of things as they tried to brush it under the carpet earlier but I got HR involved and dug it up again. Can I refuse to accept the decision on the grounds that it is not within the time-frame? I had my interview a couple of weeks ago, never received any typed notes for approval and now they want to decide it. I tried to change the investigating manager but this request was declined. What should I do?

[UnhappyGremlin]

I think it does count as B&H. This is the definition from Equalities and Diversities:

"Harassment is any inappropriate and unwanted behaviour that could reasonably be perceived by the recipient or any other person, as affecting their dignity".

Refuse the decision? I'd say no.
But, as it wasn't completed within appropriate time frames, I think you can escalate it up to the next level, and insist on a manager from outside your area to conduct the investigation.
You may also be able to complain about it not being completed within the time frame specified, separately.
HR will know, and will be able to advise.

I would look at it this way, if you treated them, or spoke to them, or another postie in the manner they have done to you/your colleagues, would they accept your claim it is just human nature?
I think the answer would be no.

[Lincox]

You should follow the procedures. Just because they don,t, do not fall into their trap. If you are not happy with the decision you have the right to take this to the next stage which I presume is Appeal stage. You should be given the minutes to sign and agree from the first hearing. Anything you do not agree with, or anything that you feel has not been dealt with, you can return a copy of the minutes with your remarks an reasons why you do not accept the decision and ask for him/her to send you the Appeal Application Form. Reason for not accepting the decision could be that the hearing manager tried to belittle your claim by saying that rudeness and anger was a part of everyday life and everyone is susceptible to this in certain circumstances. That is not an acceptable reason for throwing out your claim.