I recently took a job with Pet Smart largest retailer of specialty pet products in the world. I was a groomer. My first day my manger told me that store management was never to be told shit that goes on in the salon, remember that and you'll do just fine. He used profanity, to the top of his lungs kicked things and spoke of sexually explicit things. I told him anything I did not know about sex at this age, I did not need to know. He continued. I kept trying by telling him by saying he had a potty mouth. I even tried joking about talking to his mother. He continued and actually belittled me for saying anything. 0ne to two inches of the crack of his gluteus showed on a daily basis. I asked him to pull his pants up. I referred to it as the seat with a view. He would return from the restroom and give details of his visit. I wrote a letter to him stating my view, he was to sign. He became enraged and went to his direct supervisor. I was pulled into the office and told that I complain too much and don't fit in. I then mentioned his behavior, I was told sternly that he had dealt with his language and to stop complaining and try to fit in with the rest of the group. I was told I was handling it all wrong. I was told to be more like them. I was told to leave this boy alone and just to do my job. I said I can't be leave you're saying this, I would like a transfer. This was all done in front of the abusing 21 year-old manager. I was told they didn't want that to happen and to go back to work and let this boy do his job. Stop picking on this boy. (I had done a lot to try to help him because he told me how hard he was struggling.) Try to be more like the others and fit in and fit in. I was upset and humiliated. If I returned to my duties, I was afraid I would hurt the helpless dog or myself. Our scissors and clippers are sharp and require focus to use safely. I told him I am sorry but I can't do that. I quietly removed my smock and handed it to the store manager. We hugged he said he really liked me and was sorry it didn't work out. I left peacefully.
(I knew for days they were stealing and worse I had just caught it and reported it that very morning to another MOD They had required me to watch hours of safety and procedure videos, tested me with 2 or three graded test. They take the test for you if you don't get it right the first time. Then they sent me away for a month of training to another store. To learn yet more of the same with more tests. I was required to get 80-100 on many off these tests; yet, we were hardly following any of the required material. I tried to be gentle and point out some of our down falls. I pointed out the ones that were seriously a hazard, in writing. I had to sign saying I would follow these procedures and yet. According to the employee hand book I am required to abide by policy/report policy violations/report harassment and theft, My 21 year-old acting managers out right ordered me not to follow many of the policies.
I was dazed; I loved my job and felt I was a dedicated employee. I was confused as to what just happened. I went home kind of stared and wondered the house. It had been a week and honestly I had not even been able to bathe. I still can't eat or sleep and I missed my first night class ever that week. I decided to call the original manager to feel things out. He said, I really like you, but we had to get rid of you. I know we are doing wrong and with you around we would have to change". BINGO
I don't blame the 21 year old young man nearly as much as I blame the people that put him in charge with no proper training. They knew what he was like. He actually deserved to be properly trained for his position.instead of letting him struggle so much. I do think his 40-50 something manager should have known better than to scold me in front of my abuser and all with out even asking my side.
The shock is wearing off now, and I am starting to see the just how controlling and abusive he was. I was forbidden to talk to other store employs on my breaks "you are forbidden to" was a regular occurrence. I truly have mental and physical symptoms of abuse. I have written a letter to the district manager and she has contacted the regional manager. They at first seemed to be taking this seriously. The district manager informed me her and or the regional manager would be in touch with me the following day. The end of the week I had not heard them so I called the number in my employee hand book for the company reporting service. I was told they would have a response for me in 24 hours. I have called to check the response twice and nothing as of yet. The last call I made I requested a copy of my report they say it is property of the corporation. I am a 45 year-old woman with children older than this young man. It turns my stomach to think of the things he suggested.
No, one has bothered to contact me about a transfer and I have been unable to find employment close to home. The closest grooming position I can find is a 50 minute drive from my home. I am someone's daughter, someone's mother and soon to be a grandmother. I did not deserve this treatment.
0 comments