How can I improve this situation at work?

Question

This might be a bit long but please read and hear me out otherwise don't answer: I have an issue with one of my co-workers and one of my supervisors (not a new story for anyone who's worked lol). Anyways, the problem is, the said co-worker has a disability as a result of an unfortunate tragedy in his life (stroke) which happened years ago.

Now, I've always been nice to this person, but the problem is he's very bitter and vulgar and a testament to one's patience. He complains incessantly and he doesn't leave you alone. You can only show this guy compassion and pity for so long before you just get tired of it (mind you i've dealt with this for months). He's really not well suited for the job but is physically capable, but he takes longer. Everytime someone works with him though, it takes forever, and God help you if you hurt his feelings because he'll pull his disability card right out of his hat and use it against you with the higher ups (he's done it to quite a few people who simply lost their patience after time before).

This ties into the supervisor. He's extremely picky and extremely meticulous. He sees one thing wrong he makes you stay there even if it means after hours at work until its what he sees as "right". Problem is he only does that to certain people he feels he can take advantage of while others he lets go and doesn't care even if they do worse.

What should I do? Its tiring to deal with this supervisor every night with his unfair treatment (I've spoken to him numerous times and it goes right over his head) and the co-worker who is free to curse out people and is basically incompetent but the politically correct higher ups have the sympathy card for him "by law".

Answer 1

having a job is not about working hard and moving up.  it's about working reasonably well and knowing your boss.  job = politics.  it's about who you know and what you know.  find something you have in common with your boss and use that to get closer to him.  once you are in his "cool zone", it's a care free job from then on out.  if you and your boss don't connect, well, get a new job or get use to this same old game day in and day out.

Answer 2

the physically challenged person you can't do **** about. don't even try cos he will win every time. he does sound like a pain. i don't think you are being mean about him you are just treating him as an equal and you would think he would appreciate that. As for your supervisor have a word to his manager. If that doesn't work join your union then talk to them about things like personal grievances or meetings with your boss. also keep a record of times and dates and unfair behaviour on behalf of your supervisor. This can be used in a later complaint if it comes to that but sometimes the threat of it might work if you pull it out of the hat later. Also its kinda satisfying to write down all the incidents as ammo. good luck man. been there. possibly still there.

Answer 3

i think that you can do one of two things, number one, go to your supervisors  supervisor and if that dont work go ever higher up. number two, ignore it just nothing you can say will change anyones mind because he will keep pulling the disibility card out and using it to his advantage.  he will never get fired, cuz he will just sue the company. he can find another position in the company?

Answer 4

The supervisor won't say or do anything to the disabled co worker because he's afraid of being accused of discriminating.  I suggest you talk to someone higher than your supervisor (someone like a regional manager) and tell them that this whole issue is affecting your ability to do your job.  If that doesn't work, consider changing jobs or at least changing sites.