Bad Day,

96 Vortec · January 25, 2002

Since starting my new job a couple months ago, I have disliked the IT guy. I have never done anything to provoke the situation. I just let him do his thing and for the most part just igore him. Well, a guy at work, who I get along with really well got fired today. He didn't get along with the IT guy either. He is supposed to be the Network backup guy incase Mr. IT is gone. And his system is the most F'd up sytem I have ever seen. Him and my boss are so paranoid that they have EVERYTHING password protected so only the Admin can access anything. I mean everything. I don't even have permission to defrag my computer.

Anyhoo, my buddy found a funny pic of a monkey and named the file after the IT guy and sent it to a couple people. Last night the IT guy logged onto my computer with my login. He emailed the picture to himself from my inbox. Then he accused my buddy of deleting log files off of the server. So the boss fired him for deleting the files and degrading a coworker. And I know that he didn't delete the log files.

When I started I was given a computer use agreement that I had to sign. That has been customary at all of my jobs so I thought nothing of it. Now, knowing that my IT guy can get on my computer and do as he pleases, I'm kind of concerned about that use agreement. In it it states that if I damage the company computers or do anything illegal that they can prosecute me.

I have been waiting to hear back about a job for a week now. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it but I'm sort of afraid of what my boss and IT guy are going to do. I've been told that when people quit, my boss tends to get irrational and fire them on the spot. I'm afraid that will piss him off and him and the IT guy will scheme something up and get me in legal trouble with my computer.

And for the record, I don't have priviliges to change the password on my computer.

What do you suggest besides get the hell out of there?

Elwood · January 25, 2002

Not real sure.

Is there anyway you could back up all the stuff on computer or somehow make a record of what kind of shape it is in when you leave. Then if they try something you can prove them wrong.

Not real sure what you can do.

But getting the heck out of there ASAP is the best thing you can do.

MountaineerTom · January 25, 2002

But getting the heck out of there ASAP is the best thing you can do.

I agree. Doesn't sound like too good a place to work. ???

Don't really know what to tell you other than that.

Hope everything works out good for you.

Stepside Z · January 25, 2002

Sounds like it's time for a good old fashion butt beaten. j/k My real thoughts are, check out http://www.monster.com

colosilverado · January 25, 2002

I'll have to think about it and get back to you if I come up with anything. Unfortunately, you are probably pretty limited in what you can do. Is there an HR person or group in the company? Involving HR is a serious step and you would need some documented proof, more than likely. Obviously you want that to be in paper form. Is this an NT machine?

NewbieZ71 · January 25, 2002

A lot of companies now have 1-800 "committment" or "intergrity" lines to voice a complaint....does yours? Also, your HR department SHOULD be capable of handling confidential matters...have you inquired about that?

Kansas Kid · January 25, 2002

Hmmm, note to myself. If I think about getting a job in KC, I should stay away from this place. :0

96 Vortec · January 25, 2002

No HR. TOO dang SMALL!!!!

This also isn't one of those moments when it is just better to walk away.

But while I'm stewing in my frustration, is there a law that states that an employer must treat all employees equally? If so, can anybody give me some info on it? There are a couple employees that somehow don't have to follow the rules while the rest of us get in trouble.

chevy4x4trucks · January 25, 2002

I think that your computer should accidentally get knocked off your desk before you leave, that way if it doesn't work you don't have to worry about him trying to get you in trouble. Or maybe a strong magnet and say that the hard drive got messed up. If you're that worried about it, I would definetly do something that will put you in the clear. That guy sounds like a big A hole who likes to abuse his power and stick his nose in everyone elses business.

MadFish · January 25, 2002

I dont know what to tell you man. Baseball bat to the back of them head, maybe? We could always find someone to send a nice, little virus to your computer as well.

DigUout · January 25, 2002

But while I'm stewing in my frustration, is there a law that states that an employer must treat all employees equally? If so, can anybody give me some info on it? There are a couple employees that somehow don't have to follow the rules while the rest of us get in trouble.

Yes. It's called the EOC. Equal Opportunity Commision. They can put pressure on a company to make it a level field for all employees. Mentioning the EOC to a boss will make his brown eye pucker, because these guys are government subsidized and they don't play. Filing a formal complaint with the Department of Wages and Labor will also straighten out an employer too. Check with your states website under state government to get more info on these groups. Good Luck -

bassdog · January 25, 2002

What kind of system are you running? OS? If it's Novell, I can help you out, NT or 2000, sorry.

Being IT myself, I can give you some pointers and programs to "hide" what you have done or find out what someone else has done

I think we can make the IT guy think twice about screwing with you or the other employees

bassdog

GreenRado · January 25, 2002

96 Vortec: Tricky situation you're in. I wish you the best of luck getting OUT of it.

I agree with most sentiments here, they sort of got you by the short and curlies, and sounds like the best policy in the long run is to get out. A couple of things I thought of up front:

1) Do you have proof (tangible hardcopy, etc) that the IT guy might have deleted files, then blamed it on your buddy? If so, I'd keep that in my back pocket as internal leverage later, if they try to mess with you, if and when you give them notice.

2) Is that "Use Agreement" standard boilerplate, or if this company is as unprofessional as it sounds, maybe the agreement is not legal, and wouldn't stand up anyway? I don't know this, but maybe a lawyer could look at it for you. JMHO

Also, I would think that they need proof to prosecute you, so just claiming you did something illegal when you didn't, especially when they have all the privileges and you have none (computer-speaking), just doesn't seem to wash legally.

Sounds like bassdog has some ideas.

Good luck!

pacodiablo · January 25, 2002

that sux!! i get along with my boss quite well, he even lets me drive his truck. i get along with most of the other people at work too, but some of them get on my nerves.