Perhaps, I can't talk to him. I don't expect to have to phone the guy, but I know a couple people who speak a little Greek [ it's all Greek to me ;-) ] who would be sympathetic. But you can only say "probably" they have different rules, habits...yada, yada, yada... But, you are not sure. _The point is_she_ has options that she can pursue. She knows better than you or I what she can do and what she can't. If not, she can talk to the Human Resources Department about options and the problem. I _cannot_ believe that she cannot talk to her tormentor in the manner I described. I _cannot_ believe that she can't complain to her supervisor about the problem. In the U.S., the person who is fired often has their desk cleared out for them. Some companies do this even if the person leaves on good terms---it's a policy follwed w/o exception. Not all companies do so, but the company can have the person escorted off-site directly after being terminated if they choose. It sounds cruel, but it a simply precaution.
In firing two people ( separately ) for cause:
1) One day before one person left, I terminated his access to the customer's network, did a system backup on the systems I managed, and gave the person access _only_ to his account on those systems. This person had actually quite his job but had refused to talk to me during the last month of employment. So, his behavior prior to leaving was irrational and led me to believe that he _may_ do something to compromise those systems. I'm glad I did so and my customer was grateful as well. This fellow was allowed to clear out his desk.
2) I terminated another's access to all computers ( terminated accounts ) and/or changed all passwords before I terminated him. After I notified him, he immedately tried to access his computer accounts, but fortunately I had taken the necessary precautions. He then stayed at my lab for some time, making phone calls and trying to gain access to the computers. Finally, I told him he would have to leave. I told him this three times before he finally left my lab. After a few minutes, I walked upstairs and he was out in the parking lot looking around. He knew where his car was parked and was looking for mine ( I think )...I went out and told him he had to leave. He left...I think. But shortly after I left work that night, I heard some thumping from my car. I pulled over and checked. I'd picked up a razor blade, but it hadn't punctured my tire...yet. Possibly a coincidence, but I don't really think so.
These were extreme and potentially very difficult and unmanageable cases, but I knew that prior to their departure. In all other cases, the person who was terminated or who left voluntarily, did so on good terms with me...I did try to help solve any problems with all my employees.
If companies in Europe do things differently and it always works, good for them. But I'd say they are asking for trouble.
Now, if she has a legitimate case ( she does ) and has even one supporter, the company will fold on this. She should not threaten a lawsuit ( or even mention legal action ), unless the company does not resolve the issue satisfactorily. All companies desparately want to avoid costly lawsuits---they lose a lot of $, and get a lot of bad publicity if something like this gets out. They lose even if they win. She's clearly being harassed, the solutions ( there are several ) are obvious. This problem will not go away on it's own and she should not be forced to endure it. Sorry to go on. But, I'm trying to provide some solutions to her problem. That I don't speak Greek doesn't mean diddly-squat.
See, I get angry when someone tells me that nothing can be done for non-reasons such as different habits, rules, language. I can think of two competely non-violent actions I can take from my home computer, only with the permission of Giolanda, that would almost certainly resolve the problem for her. And it could all be done w/o the world knowing. One Email to the right people ( not the person's ISP or the company, although that is an option ) stopped Email the harassment of me within two days. Some people have real power and can apply real pressure if they see the benefit.
Mary's take that this guy might be flirting with Giolanda is possible, but is a dead-end as she noted. I'm glad I'm an atheist. No offense intended, Mary!
k.
Quixote said:
koyaanisqatsi said:
1) Tell him you have a friend ( me ) who would like to meet him very much. Tell him I'll fly anyplace in the U.S. to meet him. I'm sure I can resolve this problem for you without violence--I've never fought anyone in my life and I've never had to and I doubt I ever will. You can tell him that I am the "psychopath boyfriend" if you wish. Or you can give me his work phone number and his name and your name--I'll just talk to him as a start. I consider this the solution of last resort.
I think you are forgetting that she lives in Greece. They probably have different rules, different habits, and speak a different language than people in the United States, I know it's hard to believe for most american people but the sad truth is...if you phone the guy he most likely won't be able to understand a word
As a supervisor myself, if you had even one person to support your story, I would fire the perpetrator for cause immediately...he would have no chance to clear out his desk or access his computer. He's fired immediately and security can escort him from the building at that point.
You can't fire people in this way in europe, well at least in most european countries, not sure about greece but I see as extremely unlikely to happen. You would need more evidence, more time, and he could definitely clear his desk. In italy you would probably need a court decision as well, but ours is an extreme case of labour protection.
