Having Trouble with New Boss (Vent)

jrolls79 · October 2010

I should rather say temporary boss. My 'real' boss in on maternity leave. This woman is just another rep ( I am a medical rep/applications specialist) who has been with the company for a long time.

Anyway, travel is involved with my job. When I was pregnant and had pre-e, my doc restricted my travel. My real boss had to schedule another rep, B, to help cover my accounts. Well, B complained about it to anyone that would listen and would tell everbody that she hoped I didn't think I wouldn't have to work when I came back just b/c I had a baby. She even called me two days before I went in to be induced to complain that I was really putting her in a tight spot b/c she didn't have childcare lined up. Never mind the fact, her children are grown and she just helps babysits her grandchildren. I ignored this woman. I tend to avoid company politics and squabbles. But she and the new boss are friends.

My account for tomorrow cancelled. When we have a cancellation, we just have the day off. I was out for a walk with baby girl and new boss called. She wants me to cover B's account for tomorrow which is 6 hours away. Why, I ask, is B sick or something. No. She got snappy with me and said that B worked really hard while I was off and should get a break b/c I was off for 3 months. Um, I wasn't on vacation. And even if I was, I shouldn't be punished when I come back. I told her no. It wasn't enough to notice for me to make child care arrangements to leave for an overnight for no good reason other than B dosen't want to. She then said B has children also. I almost laughed. Her children are my age. And I am still breastfeeding. Oh and about that,she heard I was pumping at work and wants me to stop ASAP b/c this can slow down the day. That is when I said, we need to have a conference call with HR. So, I am sitting her waiting for my conference call and collecting my thoughts. My DH is so mad and wants me to tell my fake boss to go F herself. I wish I could but I have to be professional about this.

Do you know what the funny thing is? I work with women's health. Breast to be specific. I just got done working a health fair for a large company where I was instructed to tell women to breastfeed for at least a year to reduce the chance of breast cancer. And she wants me to stop pumping, so I can spend more time telling other women to breastfeed their kids. The irony!

JMama10 · October 2010

ugh...i would want to tell her to go to hell too...but i guess you do have to keep it professional

it's good that you got HR involved...maybe they can inform her that prohibiting someone from pumping at work is illegal (in most states).

MelonieK · October 2010

JMama10:
ugh...i would want to tell her to go to hell too...but i guess you do have to keep it professional it's good that you got HR involved...maybe they can inform her that prohibiting someone from pumping at work is illegal (in most states).

It's illegal in ALL states. In companies under 50 employees, the employer can claim, but must prove, "undue hardship" to be exempt from the law. Just because the temp boss and whiny coworker are royal snatches doesn't constitute undue hardship.

Conniebird · October 2010

I don't see how a grown adult can be so frrakin childish. (your fake boss, i mean) I agree with PP, can you check your states pumping @ work laws?

MrsBalletStar05 · October 2010

omgoodness! I'd be so pissed!!! I hope everything gets sorted out for you. What a crappy situation.

jrolls79 · October 2010

Update:

Fake boss just called and said I could pump whenever I needed to and I don't have to cover B's account tomorrow if I cancelled the conference call with HR. Nope, I still want it. She said it would be late. I can wait. I have never reported anyone to HR especially someone in authority over me but she has really crossed the line.