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Dear Ms. M--:

This letter will serve as my written testimony regarding the events surrounding the week my paycheck did not arrive.

Checks always arrived in the mail on Monday. This was the week mine didn’t, even though I’d sent my paperwork to Corporate properly. A missed paycheck hurts, a lot. Mid-morning on Tuesday, which is the first day of my workweek at B--, I was finally able to call the staff at your company. N-- answered the phone, and I told her my problem. “Just a moment”, she said; I was placed on hold. I waited quite awhile and then realized that I was holding a dead line. So I called again; this time E-- answered. After I explained that my line had gone dead, she told me N-- had been on line with Payroll, trying to learn more details about my missing paycheck.

I complained about being poor and missing my paycheck; E—replied that I would have to bring a copy of the missing timecard from the bookkeeper where I was a part-time employee, and it would be straightened out quickly.

Arriving at the Agency office about 12:45, I found N--, talking on the telephone. I sat in the waiting area. Another phone rang; she placed her call on hold, told the newest caller to call back when E—returned after lunch. Still holding the phone to her ear, she asked me, “Did you bring your timecards?”

“Yes,” I told her, going over to the desk, holding them out so she could take them. She had, by this time, gone back to her phone call, and was talking to both of us at the same time. “I can’t read this!” she snapped at me. “It’s not legible.”

Now, I am really poor at this time. I need my paycheck. My impulse was to reach over and once more place her call on hold, or even just disconnect her line. I was in inner turmoil because I am being paid by the hour; I do not get paid for this trip to the employment office, and I was also thinking about how difficult it would be to get my supervisor slowed down long enough to sign another time card for me.

“You CAN read it,” I pointed out to her, all the while knowing the numbers were too light, that it would not fax very well. “Why don’t you just mark over the numbers so they are readable, once you have verified the signature of my supe?” She was undecided, jiggling the phone back to her ear.

I persisted. It was important to ME, and so even though I was being rude, I persisted. “Please, I want you to understand and acknowledge this to be the company’s copy, and that it has been properly signed; I do need my paycheck as soon as possible.”

She did not answer or look at me. It was nearly one o’clock; I would be late getting back to work, and so I took a pen, making the numbers darker. It was while I was doing that, awkwardly using her typewriter as a surface for my poor timecard, when I realized I was *hearing* what she was saying, because she said quite loudly and clearly, “I don’t mind that E-- has been given this promotion, but I just think she is not ready for it yet, if you know what I mean.” I thought she said associate manager, but I may be wrong; I was only certain she was talking about some sort of promotion given to E-- recently.

As I explained to you on the phone this morning, I do not make a practice of listening to others’ telephone conversations. I have worked in many offices in my working life, where desks are nearly adjacent, and one learns how not to listen, unless one’s self is the topic, or something of interest comes up in the conversation. Since E-- has been my main contact person in this office, it perked my attention.

I could not believe she was discussing office politics in front of me! Embarrassed, I did not look at her, as I finished re-numbering my timecard copy. At that time, a scruffy-looking young man came out of one of the testing rooms. She said, without looking at him, “Just go on, now; E-- will be in touch with you.” He was dismissed.

Granted, he was not dressed in a manner that would get him work quickly, but (in my opinion!) he deserved something more from her. We are all nervous when we come to apply for work. Obviously he had much to learn, and it would have been nice had she been kinder to him.

So, she’s dismissed the scruffy young man. She wants me to go, too, but I want to make certain she has my paperwork and that it will be handled properly. I point out that I have darkened the numbers, but I wanted her to acknowledge the authenticity of a signature that was, admittedly, a very weak copy.

“Yes, yes, I see it. It will be taken care of.” And back to her phone she went.

Fairly well irritated, I left, thinking I would write a letter to the management at Employment Services, and that I would also call E-,- to tell her she had a knife in her back in her office. Instead, there was E-- in the parking lot, returning from lunch with her fiancé. Impulsively, and without too much thought, I told her what I had overheard in the office. She asked if I had given N-- the replacement timecards, and I quickly explained what had occurred. “Don’t worry, I will get it fixed for you,” she promised.

I had a message from E—by the time I returned to my work, but when I called, N-- answered. Without identifying myself, I asked for E--. “She’s gone for the day,” was the curt answer. “Can I help you?”

So, rather than indicate that I was truly calling E-- about a personal situation, I pretended to have another call from my end, and excused myself.

Now, Ms. M-- You are the manager of this employment officer. There are some additional comments I would like to make.

First, I had never met E-- prior to the time of my first testing interview. I needed to find work; she was bright, cheerful, and helped me when I was nervous. I liked her, however we have had no personal contact, other than in the office. Second, I was always sorry when E-- was not available to help me. It is, somehow, grayer in the office, darker when N—is there. A bright helpful attitude is certainly missing. I suspect I would not now be working so happily had E-- not been my contact person.

The fact that I got involved with this situation is giving me a problem, however. I feel as though I am making some sort of judgment against N--. It is not my place to judge. Yet, E-- has been very helpful and supportive to me, while N-- has not. When I heard her trying to get E--’s promotion destroyed, her hours cut, her credibility questioned, I felt it an imperative to give my small input.

I apologize for the length of this letter; I only hope it has been complete enough. If it is necessary that I appear before a board to discuss this further, I am willing to do so. If any in your upper management want further information from me, I will give it. This young woman is one who will, in my opinion, enhance your agency for many years, with her eagerness to do her best job at all times.  I am happy to help her, as I would appreciate any who would help me in a similar situation.

Sincerely,

~~~~~

Now, how would YOU have handled this situation???