Vindication for a Friend!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that a friend was falsely being accused of workplace abuses. Well, justice prevailed and she completely vindicated. As a matter of fact, the invesigators stated the entire thing was "ridiculous" and "trivial" after meeting with the accusers and hearing their grievances.

What makes me happier is that the entire office is banding together in support and are only speaking to those making false complaints when it's work-related. They are on their own. It has been unspoken that people are treating them like lepers, but everyone was aware they were lying because they bragged about it and people have eyes and ears. the thinking is that people like that will go after anyone and no one trusts them.

Now, one is saying the whole thing was a misunderstanding and can't everyone move on, but her false accusations could have cost someone their job. That is misunderstanding. One accuser confessed that she was making false allegations because my friend "needed to be humbled." That's not a misunderstanding.

Still, the liars lost this round. And, that's a victory for us all.

Don't Trust Anyone!

When it comes to dealing with abuse at work, remember that you simply can't trust ANYONE! Nobody wants to be dragged into someone's mess at work. Not even drama queens. Self-reliance will be key. You have to be a rock. You have to be your own champion. Expect the unexpected, especially when it comes to people's character. Better to be disappointed in someone's shortcomings than to be caught blind because you weren't prepared that you might be left to fend for yourself.

IN THE NEWS: The "Food Stamp President"

I always follow presidential politics because it just fascinates me regarding what people will say and do to gain power. I've been called all sorts of names by friends and acquaintances for following something that they didn't think mattered to Black folks. It's like some people don't get that who is in office has everything to do with the quality of life that they are able to lead.

And, that ties in 100% with the workplace and employment. The president and congress have direct input on supreme court judge appointments (deciding class action lawsuits, health care issues, how businesses treat workers, etc.), decisions that impact how business is done, including workers rights, the length or extension of unemployment benefits, payroll tax cuts, etc.

GOP presidential hopeful, Newt Gingrich, called President Obama the finest food stamp president in history. We ere still in a recession. People of all races are needing assistance. Children are hungry. Families are struggling. And, the GOP feel comfortable announcing that they don't give a crap about the 99%, who are barely treading water. They expect people to vote against their own interests or not vote at all.

How else do you explain members of the GOP saying and defending the wild claim that poor children in housing projects never see anyone going to work and they should be used as janitors in schools? If you put a video camera out in the projects, you would see many, many poor people racing to catch trains and buses to work--sometimes to their first job. But, this is the red meat that many Republicans want to hear. They want their candidate to be a good-old boy/anti-minority. Right now the GOP is refusing to extend the payroll tax if it means the rich, the 1%, must go back to Clinton-era tax rates and pay their fair share. They are also redistricting and changing voter id requirements to increase their chances to win key state and to stop the poor and minorities from getting Obama a second term.

It matters, who becomes president. If you read this blog, then you know it matters. Start following the issues. Spread
the word to your friends and family. We have to get the vote out or WE WILL HAVE SUFFERING AND MITERY!

What are you trying to achieve?

If you're fighting harassment, retaliation or discrimination at work, you have to figure out what your end game is. What are you trying to achieve with this battle you'll be engaging in? Is it just to save your job? To restore a falsely tarnished reputation? To have a member of management held accountable through training, suspension, termination or issuing an apology? You have to know you're ending in order to write a successful story. It holds true at work, as well.

Quick Tip: Form Alliances

If someone is abusing you at work, you may want to consider forming alliances with their enemies to bring them down. Figure out who they've been attacking, in addtion to you, and try to determine if what you're hearing is real and credible. Analyze the enemies for ayone who seems reasonable and level-headed. Then, befriend them as much as possible. Don't announce an agenda, just build a positive relationship and see what starts to come up in conversation. Maybe, you take the first step in sharing a bit of information and see if they open up. There i strength in numbers. Someone might be afraid to speak up alone, but might be more vocal with at least one other person on board. Both of you can lean on each other against a common enemy, which might make your abuser stop and pause. Don't be introverted. Seek out alliances and friendships, when under attack.