I upset a fellow co-worker today and he said "I'm going to murder you." At the time I was too busy trying to work out the issue but after talking to some friends they think I should go to management...
I'm pretty sure it was a heat of the moment thing. I apologized for my oversight that had inconvenienced him (which was why he was upset), and we left on relatively good terms I think - he had been trying to make small talk. In hindsight I feel foolish for not jumping on it right away but I had been too concerned with righting the wrong... I don't actually feel threatened, but I do feel upset about it. I don't think he should be allowed to say that to me, especially at the workplace.
Should I go to management? If so, what should I say? I'd almost feel as if I were betraying this co-worker, going behind his back like that - should I talk to him first? I'm reluctant to cause a scene, but I don't want to accept being mistreated...
IF IT WERE ME: Hell yeah, nip that sht in the bud. Arrange for a sit down between you, this other person and a manager. The emphasis should clearly be stated that you're not wanting to see him get in trouble....but that you will NOT tolerate that kind of behavior out of any one.
The problem with failing to address bullying right away is that it's what these punks live on. A strong defense stops them every time.
so this was overheard by other employees? why dont they go speak to management.
i think you can just go talk to this person one on one and let him know what he said can be viewed as a very serious threatening comment. tell him that it could be taken to management. they could then separate you and him either by termination or transfering.
if you do decide to go to management - tell them first about it then the next day present written documentation of the incident.
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I am no longer part of the oppressed, evil workforce of Kroger! Can you say "Hallelujah"
Who jokes and says "I am going to murder you"? I have had some experiences with crazy employees, and I would ask for a meeting with that guy, and a member of management. You could say that you aren't asking for any further action right now, just trying to clear the air, but let it be known that you won't tolerate that type of behavior. And if that guy bothers you any more, you can take action then, even if it is legal action. Don't let things get out of hand.
I would sit up a meeting with a member of store management and the upset co-worker and make clear you don't want to see him get into trouble but you will not tolerate this type of behavior. I would also have the member of management emphasize the seriousness of that statement and/or behavior. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
This was said in the heat of the moment. Which means there was a HEATED MOMENT. OK... we dealt with a crazy lady for years at a store. She said all kind of crazy stuff. Everyone just accepted her for the nut job she was. She heard voices, etc. She finally lost her job after over 20 years because she threatened a co-manager while gripping a pair of scissors and the co-managers arm. She was allowed to spout all types of crazy lies and nonsense for years. Another guy would go around and say that if God wants me to kill you, I will do it. He was a meat cutter. Nice, with all those knives and such. He escalated until he was screaming in the breakroom and throwing chairs. I'm saying, nip it. Don't let it go until someone gets hurt or loses their job, or gets committed to treatment (our meat cutter, who did not lose his job). No one has to endure crazy crap from a co-worker. Our company treats us badly enough.
