A senior coworker is trying to get me fired, what can I do?

Question

This coworker used to work in my position, and was told to train me when I arrived two years ago. Since then, although she has not been assigned a supervisory role to me, she constantly goes through my work files and reports every little thing she doesn't like to my boss! Last week my boss came to me with an entire folder of photocopied "mistakes" that this woman had secretly collected, a few of which really were my errors but most of which were either completely insignificant or not mine at all. Needless to say this was shocking and infuriating. I kept my cool with my boss and promised to rectify all of the areas I had made any mistakes in, but this coworker has been undermining me with an extremely hostile single-mindedness all along, being rude in public and blaming me for anything that goes wrong even if it's not my error. She has been working with the company for 15 years and is good at her job so there is no way to go face to face with her and win. Am I doomed in this job?

Answer 1

Getting people off your back is no problem. You just have to know how to work the system. Take this problem seriously and don't be afraid about being aggressive. Tell your boss that if this person has nothing better to do than dig up dirt on your work she needs a heavier work load to keep her busy. She not getting paid to make you look bad and if she's tasked with training you then the mistakes she's found are as much her fault as they are yours. Then suggest to him that you think you're being targeted and that the best course of action is for you to see your human resources department and set up a meeting between HR you and your boss. You can invite your Nemesis if you like because it puts the spotlight on them. Pushing back is fair and your career hangs in the balance. Take charge of the situation. You will do just fine. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Ask your boss if you can talk with him (her?). Tell your boss exactly what's going on and how you feel about it but make sure not to sound like you're attacking the other worker. Let the boss know what the other worker is doing, though. Say something like you want to improve in your work area but can't unless you are properly trained or something like that and that it would help if the woman came to you with the "problems" instead of going straight to the boss. Or you could quit your job, slash your co-worker's tires, marry a rich guy and move away.

Answer 3

Collect all the data / information ie. times/dates/type of accusation make sure that you have all your facts right and go to your union if you are member of one or phone A.C.A.S for advice or go with all the relevant facts to a GOOD solicitor one that is an expert in employment law and ask for his/her advice and help. This co-worker has got a problem with you which need to be resolved by legal action. Your boss shouldn't be a boss if he is not prepared to discuss the issues with you. Don't be bullied by this female do something about it. Work is bad enough without being harassed by someone. You are going to need broad shoulders and thick skin. David H

Answer 4

Personally, I could not take the stress of staying in such a job. You can move on and do better. She has probably been there too long, and this is what she has been reduced to: making life miserable for whoever strikes her fancy. She's not going anywhere (I mean in that job AND in her life); and although I'm not normally one to back down: with this situation, I think you are fighting a losing battle. You'd be a lot happier and maybe even better paid if your invested energy landed you a better job. Good luck!

Answer 5

Not a good situation and very de-motivating for you.
Do you have some kind of bullying/harrassment policy you could report her for?
Can your boss not see what is happening?
Can you lock your work away so that they can't interfere?

Other colleagues should be noticing these things can they not report them for being rude to you?

If you have a manager you can report it to i would do that because you need to make sure you keep your cool

Answer 6

Well I'm sorry, but if this cow was supposed to train you and you have made "loads of mistakes", then isn't it HER fault for not training you in the first place.

What a witch. I'd start collecting evidence on her. Look for another job in the meantime and tell her to her face what a scheming, poisonous bi tch she really is when you leave.

Answer 7

I would begin to start looking for employment elsewhere before she is successful in getting you terminated. Since she has already given your superior a folder with your mistakes in it, she is he!! bent on your dismissal. Also attend some management classes at night if you can, then you too will be a supervisor at your new place of employment. Good luck.

Answer 8

Are you warm? i'm no longer suprised that the different chefs might cope with you so nicely; besides the incontrovertible fact that, there is yet another female in contact and now which you have have been given stolen her interest and gained the want of her studs, it appears that evidently like she's have been given it out for you. in case you experience uncomfortable, than please seem for yet another job. I doubt this different female is going to go away her postion each time quickly.

Answer 9

The sneaky little cow - she should be ashamed of herself making someone so unhappy. I wouldnt want to work with someone I couldn't trust anyhow. Bide your time and look for another job - the day you leave tell her what you think of her in no uncertain terms. Good luck to you.

Answer 10

talk to the HR people, your boss, or your bosses boss. no one deserves to go through this no matter how long they have been at a company.