The other day, my coworkers were moving stuff around in the office. All of a sudden, from the corner of my eye, I saw something was thrown to me, I stepped away to avoid it, and out of reaction I threw back the thing in my hand, which was an aluminum object.
And I realized that it was my coworker that threw stuff to me and he said he was playing around, and it was just a piece of candy. He got very pissed off and went to the security and HR to file a claim against me. I reported to my supervisor and checked the camera. It showed that my coworker threw stuff to me first and it wasn't a soft throw. It doesn't matter if it was just candy. It was flying toward my eye. The reason I threw back thing was just out of reaction. My job has zero tolerance on this. Both my coworker and I might get fired. Is there anything I can do to protect myself?
2006-11-10 01:53:54 · 11 answers · asked by shopaholic 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I don't really want to appoligize to him since he's the one who started it. I have a video camera that proved he threw stuff to me. If I do get fired, what are the steps that I should do to suit him for getting me fired?
2006-11-10 02:23:36 · update #1
Tell the truth and then tell them to prove you did something wrong if they want to fire you. If they do fire you, then you can take them to court as you did nothing wrong.
2006-11-10 01:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd approach the managing attorney about this. You've been there long enough to prove your value-- they'd have to train someone to replace you, etc. Although there are many qualified legal assistants out of work right now, it's always expensive to change out staff. Highlight the things you do well-- based on your post (other than simple stuff like capitalization which I know you're ignoring because it's a message board), you write better than 9/10 of the people on Y!A, solid writing is a rare skill. Get some confidence back. If you're terminated you will collect unemployment unless you engaged in willful misconduct or a pattern of absenteeism, something like that. Making mistakes, or 'it's just not working out' doesn't qualify. I'm not saying they won't fight you over benefits, just that you will probably win whatever challenge they throw down. Try to be brave! If not for yourself, then for your friends and family.
2016-05-22 02:38:32 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, don't be too surprised if you're fired. It might sound totally unfair to you. Two wrongs don't make a right. Flinching is ok, protecting yourself, fine, but throwing something back at someone is not a typical reaction. If it happened to me, yeah, there is a slight chance I might have done what you did, and got fired. Be very glad you didn't injure anyone. Learn your lesson, and move on. Sorry to hear this happened to you.
2006-11-10 02:01:01 · answer #3 · answered by Clipper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there really isn't anything you can do to 'protect yourself'. I would just go to the manager again and explain what happened and explain that you really do not feel that this constituted being fired for. I would explain that you really do not want to lose your job, you apologize and ask if there is anything you can do to keep your job. If you are apologetic and you let them know that you fear for your job, I think they would understand.
You could also ask if maybe you could be put on some sort of suspension for a month or so instead of taking the harsh action of being fired.
2006-11-10 01:59:07 · answer #4 · answered by Sara S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it clearly states zero tolerence for throwing objects is subject to termination then both of you might be let go. If your co-worker and you have a good working relationship and he doesn't want to lose his job (sounds like his plan backfired), I think you should let go getting even or being angry with him. Soooo not easy, but if you try what I'm about to share with you, the outcome is huge! Approach your co-worker and share with him who he is as a person to you and the company. Example: who you are to me is a person who helps create a working environment pleasant to myself and others working hard and playing hard. You are a hard worker, respected, driven etc. I suspect who you are to the company is a producer, performer and valuable employee.
Okay, now I get this may be hard if you can't let go of any emotions but he will be shocked if you can be sincere about who he is a person to you. Trust me, imagine if someone said that to you? All people want to be acknowledged!
Now put this in his brain. I would say to him "can you imagine being in HR knowing that policy states zero tolerance and must terminate you, knowing who you are to the company? How valuable you are? Must be tough!"
Is this clear? Do you get now you get a shot at saving both your jobs.
You say, "I like my job, I like you, I would like to request that you withdraw the claim as an intention that we may get to keep our jobs?" He has 3 choices to respond.
Yes - cool now HR may let you keep your job
No -cool you still left this guy utterly shocked at your fearlessness to speak authentically. He will never forget this trust me. Done deal don't continue trying to change his reply.
Counter offer: listen to what he is saying and make sure he gets that you understand him. Then you get to respond yes,no or counter offer.
Understand if you try this regardless of the outcome it leaves your coworker, HR and/or your supervisor moved by your actions. Most important is the transformation you as a person to yourself and others. You created the possibility of person being a fearless communicator of self expression. Whoa! Powerful!
2006-11-10 20:13:09 · answer #5 · answered by nmyopinion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find another/better job.Have that person met outside of work by someone else who will keep them from bothering/playing with you at work.Sucking up to the boss may not help.Suggest to the boss that all three of you have a meeting after hours to stop the other employee from disturbing you at work.Good luck!!!
2006-11-10 02:01:39 · answer #6 · answered by WellMayB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you were just acting out of protection for youself.
I am not sure if there is anything you can really do.
I dont see why you would get fired. If you get fired it is quiet rediculous.
However the world will not end and you can find a new job.
2006-11-10 01:56:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Uhmmm, no. Retaliation isn't a reason to throw something at a co-worker.
You can try pleading your case, but I wouldn't care who started it if I was your boss.
My advice: Don't be such a hot head and reactionary next time.
2006-11-10 02:04:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
consider it a misunderstanding and make peace with your coworker , let the management see that you can settle a minor
dispute without effecting your company works
2006-11-10 02:08:48 · answer #9 · answered by kimht 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU CAN EXPLAIN TO YOUR BOSS THAT A FLYING OBJECT WAS COMING AT YOUR HEAD AND OUT OF REFLEX YOU THREW IT BACK AT THIS POINT ALL YOU CAN SAY IS THAT YOU ARE SORRY AND SEE IF THAT HOLDS ANY WEIGHT ....GOOD LUCK
2006-11-10 02:03:42 · answer #10 · answered by NICKIE 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋