Boss Claimed He Was Needed for Testing, But He Was Out, So He Complained

Understanding the Situation

In many workplaces, it's not uncommon for managers to issue directives without being available to support or clarify them. This can lead to confusion and frustration among employees, especially when the manager’s actions seem more like a power play than a genuine effort to manage effectively. One employee recently shared an experience that highlights this very issue.

The Employee's Background

The employee has been with the company for over 18 years and is part of the incoming quality/test engineering team at a high-end production facility. They have always taken initiative by staying ahead of production schedules and collaborating daily with production and inventory supervisors. Additionally, they often assist the development engineering group by testing new products during their development phase. This role requires strategic planning and the ability to shift focus quickly to maintain a smooth workflow.

The Manager's Interference

A new manager joined the team, and from the beginning, there were issues. It seemed that the manager wasn't comfortable in situations where he wasn't the most knowledgeable person. After a few weeks, he sent an email stating that no one could alter the employee's schedule without his approval. He claimed he would set the priorities and work hours moving forward.

This directive disrupted the employee's carefully planned workflow. The following week, two product design qualifications and a customer surprise arrival occurred. The manager had instructed the employee to focus solely on production materials and not to be contacted. However, the manager was unavailable, having left for a "work from home" day but not answering any of the numbers provided. Eventually, he was found at the local park with his kids, which led to the customer leaving frustrated.

Confrontation and Resolution

The next week, the manager called the employee into his office to write them up for not testing the product when the client arrived. The employee handed him a printed copy of the email, insisting that the HR team witness the meeting. The manager rescheduled the meeting for three days later, giving himself time to prepare the HR representative.

During the meeting, the HR representative asked why the employee didn’t test the products when requested. The employee presented the email again, explaining that they followed the policy and were still being written up. They then requested to file a harassment complaint against the manager. The manager's response was hesitant, and the meeting ended with the harassment claim documented as a verbal warning.

Ongoing Tension

Since then, the manager has avoided engaging with the employee. He doesn't even inform them about staff meetings, and the employee only hears about them the next day from others. The employee feels that the less interaction they have with the manager, the better.

Community Reactions

Many people have shared their thoughts on the situation, expressing that the manager seems incompetent. Some mentioned that the employee had receipts, implying that they had evidence to back up their claims. Others expressed hope for more comments on the post.

If you found this story interesting, you might also enjoy reading about a teacher who taught the school’s administration a lesson after they made a sick kid take a final exam.

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