zero tolerance policy - racial discrimination

[picklepants]

At work (in a hospital) we are meant to have a zero tolerance policy on violence of any kind. 5 weeks ago I was pushed over by a colleague in a fit of temper. He is up for a disciplinary and we're waiting for a date for the hearing but I'm really concerned that because he is Indian, he will get away with a warning because the NHS will be afraid of being accused of racism> Anyone else got any experience of this kind of thing? Any advice anyone can give me on coping?

[annierosie]

Sorry to hear about your problem picklepants. The best advice I can offer is to get as many witnessess as you can to support your claim, and don't go to the appeal hearing alone. Get as much info in writing as you possibly can including witness statements.If you are not happy with the appeal outcome, you can still go to a higher authority.

A dear friend of mine's husband had a problem with mental bullyingand also an assault which had the most tragic outcome, which I don't really go into. There were work colleagues who knew what was going on, but were unwilling to speak up, as they were afraid of repercussions. The hospital managers in question "closed ranks", so we went to an independant ombudsman whose job it is to look into complaints and procedures. Unfortunately my friend was told that she would have to bring a private prosecution case which she couldn't afford. Her husband is no longer alive and couldn't speak for himself even though she did have some written evidence to support her claim.

Even though this was an extreme case some of the circumstances are similar. Just be strong and don't allow political correctness stand in your way.

Hope all goes well at your hearing

Ann

[gammaray]

Go along to the hearing with your union rep. If the hospital claims to have a zero tolerance and you have evidence of this being inacted - i.e there is historical evidence of people being sacked for offering violence, then it is reasonable to expect the same treatment for this individual.

This individual assaulted you. If you have witnesses you can go to the police. If he isn't sacked you will obviously feel threatened when working in proximity to this individual. The hospital have a duty to provide you with a safe environment to work in. Clearly employing someone with a known propensity to violence is an infringement of your human rights and you could sue your employers.

[Postdog]

I can't offer any advice, but whether he is Indian or sky blue with spots, your employer has a duty of care to both of you, and in my book, your desire to work in an environment free of violence and intimidation far exceeds any he has for being race of the month. As such, your need is the greatest.

We had an Indian guy at work a couple of years back who kept pulling the race card for one thing or another, and eventually management saw through this.

[allen63b]

Make sure you document everything and have at the very least a colleague present when you are interviewed and as a previous poster said if you have witnesses involve the police. You should also ask the question "why isn't he on suspension"