I work in the securities industry, so there's nothing private about our email - LOL. It's all monitored by law and we cannot get/send personal emails.

I think I have to sign this - I just don't understand the motivation behind it. I don't buy the reason I was given "in case something happens to you we need to get into your email". Nor do I understand why I am the only person being asked to sign it, why it was presented in the manner it was (as I was walking out the door and couldn't focus on it) nor the timing of it.

A small part of me thinks this is somehow a set up, since Corporate Compliance said letting someone else (another employee) into your email is not allowed.

But.... my understanding is if I don't sign it, it "could" be construed as "misconduct" which disqualifies being able to collect unemployment if they were to let me go (which I think is their plan), which would be a financial disaster for my family.

I know this might make things worse and unravel at work for you, but you should at least know your rights.

If you can, see if you can get a lawyer or some legal advice. What's happening to you is just wrongs.

That's my 3 cents

poetrymom

I wish I could afford an attorney. I am still working a reduced work schedule (7 hours) and can't afford $250/hr. for advice, as this is an ongoing situation, with them continuing to do things. I would go bankrupt. I think that's what they are counting on - that I can't afford to learn my rights and defend myself. Too bad attorneys don't take these cases on a contingency basis...

Have you checked with your state labor department to see if they have any resources for you ?

What state do you live in ?

I live in MA. I did check with the Atty General's Office Fair Labor Division, who referred me to the Health and Human Services Civil Rights Division, who referred me to MCAD (MA Commission Against Discrimination) and EEOC. Both MCAD and EECO require a complaint to be filed and an investigation to start. They won't just advise you you have a case or not.

I fear it would make my life so unbearable - it's a small office - only 5 work IN the office - 3 of whom are causing the issues - my boss, the Ops Mgr and now the other advisor who is asking me to sign this document (he has supervisory responsibility now over me) & if that were to happen it would cause me to lose all the ground that I have made with my recovery. I get so stressed and upset by what they do to me that I know it's detrimental to my health.

I know if I were to file a complaint the harassment would be relentless (which I know is illegal) but I am the one who would have to bear it and complain yet again. And if the MCAD or EEOC finds no wrongdoing then where am I?

I wish they would just let me go as I don't know how much more I can take. I can't financially just walk away, but I know that's what they want as I think they fear if they do fire me I may file a wrongful termination claim. I'm sure they think if they just continue to put the screws to me hard enough I will just crumble and leave.

Keep an journal of how they are treating you. Note any treatments of the other employees that show your treatment to be discriminatory. Go ahead and sign the document. Be careful with your emails. And.... Maybe you should start looking for other work. In the mean time, stick it out and make them let you go. In time, they will likely mess up and you will have a strong case to file.

You can create a written history by responding to verbal issues in writing. An email such as, "I am willing to sign document xyz but it appears I am the only one being asked to sign document xyz. Can you help me understand why I am being singled out for this treatment ?" You may want to be less confrontational. Maybe " I am confirming that I am the only one being asked to sign document xyz. Is this correct ?" Then, print a copy of the email for your personal files and take it home.

My best to you.

Since you have noted "since Corporate Compliance said letting someone else (another employee) into your email is not allowed." - I would recommend going one step further for this issue and any further issues that they put all requests in writing to you; and provide a copy for you and your file.

As well as a copy of what ever you do sign returned to you for your own private file - let them know up front you are also keeping a file of all transactions about this activity.... no need to hide the fact you are protecting yourself. You are entitled to copies of anything they expect you to 'comply' with while working .

I am sorry that small employers, with family members working in the offices feel they need to be like this when good employees have health problems.......

Best Wishes ........

Thank you all. This forum has gotten me through a lot. Dreading tomorrow. Sick to my stomach already. All I want is the opportunity to do my job - and do it well - as I have, without being harassed.

Good luck tomorrow. I feel for you. Hang in there.