Legal issue to do with conduct

[SandyD]

Wonder what the group here thinks of this situation:
I am contracted to one of those troubled organisation. I started 3 months ago. Since I started there another contractor (contracted through same agency/consultancy) was being very nasty and constantly cut me out, did not behave in a professional manner towards me, the put downs contained comments about my background etc, I managed to ignore that contractor and stay away / keep my head down for the 3 months, but 2 weeks ago, things got worse and the way way I was being treated by that contractor was not acceptable. I finally had a meeting with the manager saying I wasn't comfortable with the way I am being treated and the fact I was put down and having to hear unpleasant comments about me and my background.

The next day by magic my contract was terminated... I believe my manager (who was and still is very nice to me) had to speak to the program manager about my concerns to protect himself.. and I think the program manager was worried about further issues in the program, and just said there are many budgets cuts. The program manager had a meeting with me telling me the termination is no reflection on my performance or my ability to do the job, its just budgets cuts.

I thought about it for a day or so, then I decided to log an official complaint, I know the company are cutting, but these things do not happen over night and its a strange coincidence that it happened immediately the next day I expressed my discomfort...

Now, the organisation is saying since I am contractor the organisation complaint policies do not apply to me, and since me and the other contractor involved belong to the same agency they are leaving it to the agency to investigate, the agency is saying they have no obligation towards me, they are conducting interview with me and the other contractor to please the client.

I am not sure what I did was right or wrong, I would have normally just walked away, and now thinking I should have, the truth is that contractor made my life really horrible during the last 3 months and I am actually relieved to be out of there..... anyone had such a situation? What's the best way out of this?

Just to clarify my objective is not to cause the client or event he agency any issues, I have had no problems with either, the client were top class with me, and the agency too actually, its only that contractor who is causing all this.

[VectraMan]

Now, the organisation is saying since I am contractor the organisation complaint policies do not apply to me

You said it. You're a contractor, they don't need a reason to get rid of you. That's kind of the point.

[The Spartan]

Yup their policies apply to THEIR employees of which you are not, you need to get it into your head that you're not an employee of any company that you contract for. In most cases on the books you'll be shown as a project code or an asset number.

[cojak]

Just leave, and remember that revenge is a dish best served cold.

Wait until you cross paths again...

[Lewis]

I've come across lots of unpleasant people in my time. As a contractor you decide ... ignore it, move on or address directly with the person involved (after all why should you leave because of them!). You can't go complaining to the client and expect much good to come from it. You are not an employee and none of those kinds of rules apply to you.

[The Spartan]

In situations like that I find violence works 99.999999*% of the time

[Kelstar]

I've come across lots of unpleasant people in my time. As a contractor you decide ... ignore it, move on or address directly with the person involved (after all why should you leave because of them!). You can't go complaining to the client and expect much good to come from it. You are not an employee and none of those kinds of rules apply to you.

+1

Clients and agents want a quiet life. Any negative effect on your relationship with them is just burning a bridge. Its not a nice situation but move on, head high.

[SandyD]

I have been contracting for over 10 years now, so I am aware and have seen a lot of unpleasant characters myself, but this time the abuse was so open and the insults were in an open office at the earshot of everyone who pretended to do something else.

I agree, I should have not complained, now that I have, do you think I need to go through all the process and interviews or should I just tell them I want to move on and have no wish of dragging this on any longer?

Yes even though my complained was very confidential I think I may have harmed the program manager (who unfortunately is a contractor too hence our paths may cross again) and yes I probably wont work with this agency again....

I don't know, I was a victim being bullied, and I am even in bigger problems now...

Anyway, should I withdraw my complaint now?

[Kelstar]

I have been contracting for over 10 years now, so I am aware and have seen a lot of unpleasant characters myself, but this time the abuse was so open and the insults were in an open office at the earshot of everyone who pretended to do something else.

I agree, I should have not complained, now that I have, do you think I need to go through all the process and interviews or should I just tell them I want to move on and have no wish of dragging this on any longer?

Yes even though my complained was very confidential I think I may have harmed the program manager (who unfortunately is a contractor too hence our paths may cross again) and yes I probably wont work with this agency again....

I don't know, I was a victim being bullied, and I am even in bigger problems now...

Anyway, should I withdraw my complaint now?

Move on. Sounds like there is little benefit in progressing with your complaint.

My advice may have been a little "strap on your big girl panties" but for your own santiy, and an easy life I'd drop it. Just my 2 cents....

[jmo21]

Abuse?
what exactly? What started it? What was the first thing they said?

If someone tries to give me crap, I just ignore them or give it back.