Ask Amy: New co-worker already harassing me on Facebook
Dear Amy: I’ve worked for a small family-owned business (my family doesn’t own it) for almost 10 years.
We are busy and productive, serving our clients and customers on the phone and in person (it’s a stone and tile shop). Precision is important in our work because we are taking measurements to have stone cut to exact sizes.
Last week, my boss hired a new worker, “Susan.” She sits in a cubicle beside me.
As part of a “getting to know you” chit chat she mentioned that she has three cats. I’m allergic and frankly don’t like cats and so I said, “Oh, I’d never have a cat; I just don’t trust them.” I was joking and it didn’t seem like a big deal at all at the time. She didn’t respond and we both returned to our work.
That night, Susan found me on social media and went through my postings (going back several months) and commented on each photo, “disgusting,” “horrific,” etc.
These were mainly photos of family members, including my children. Under a photo of my 89-year-old grandmother, she wrote: “Disgusting. I just don’t trust her.”
I was horrified and took screenshots of everything.
I believe I’ve been harassed and – obviously – I don’t believe she has the temperament to work with clients.
I want to go to our boss and ask that she be fired, but I’m nervous about doing that.
What do you think?
– Worried Employee
Dear Worried: “Susan” has worked at this business for one week, and she is already harassing a colleague. Definitely turn her in.
You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.