Bullying, bad-mouthing, vindictiveness, deceit, manipulation, lying, surliness? Read this

Bullying in preschool

Case history #53

I have been bullied in my workplace for a number of years, by a subordinate. This woman fits the profile of a clever, vindictive, deceitful, power hungry bully.

I became aware of discrepancies with the money collection. I began to ask questions. I spoke to my bosses about my concerns, but they did not want to know about it. They were on the promotions ladder and looking to get out. One was soon retiring. I was told to deal with it myself. I was ultimately responsible for the money so took on the job of collecting, collating and receipting it myself. I was unable to trust the woman employed to do this. My workload increased dramatically because of this. I had no choice. The thief had been exposed.

Her behaviour became sullen, surly and dismissive I suspect because I had taken away a source of extra income for her as well as a job that gave her a sense of power and control. She began to breach child protection laws by shouting and bullying some of the children. I observed that her targets were always the ones who were very vulnerable, from low socioeconomic homes, or non English speaking backgrounds. I spoke to her about this so she turned her attentions on me.

She has formed a group of supporters and bad mouths my professional abilities to them. Early this year my drink that was in the fridge in the workplace was contaminated by oil. I took a large mouthful and was ill. I reported the incident to my boss immediately. I was devastated that someone could be so malicious in their intent to injure me. I went to the union, was called into meetings, ran meetings myself. The result was that there was no proof, so I should just forget about it and get on with my job. It was considered a practical joke. I did go to the police and asked them to put it on record. They wanted to investigate but I was full of fear and feeling more and more isolated in the workplace. I did not want to create more problems for myself.

Things settled down for a while until this week when I was given no choice but to submit a formal complaint. She behaved in such a way as to leave me very distressed. There were two incidents over two days. The bullying had started again. She responded in writing stating that I suffered from professional insecurities. She denied everything. I spoke at length to my boss and the bully is now removed from my classroom. She will work with her supporter who played a big part in pulling her strings and advising her. They deserve each other. The bullying, I suspect will continue because she is still in close proximity to me. However I will continue to report it by keeping accurate records of incidents in a safe place at home.. I am relieved but also fearful of repercussions as I know that bullies are vindictive and will do anything to bring their targets down. In reporting it, I have made it a little bit harder for her to be near enough to continue her campaign against me. I live in hope that she will leave. I would like to add that since she has not been able to access the public monies she has started a part time job. I wonder how long the thieving was going on?

Anne Savage
The Childrens Place Preschool, Western Australia

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