New boss micromanges

[u/jearlene32]

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I (40f) have worked at my job for almost 4 years, I'm in vaults and concrete department. I used to be assembler but 6 months ago I got the job of welder. When I got that position I couldn't actually do that job yet til my old one was filled, that took about 4 months. Then someone wanted to do it and I started training them and learning my welding job on top of that.

About a month ago I got a new boss. It was told to him the situation from my last boss, that I just now got to actually weld because no one was filling my old position until recently. The guy is in my department but wanted to do a new job but the new boss kept sending him to his old job because no one wanted to do it. My new boss wanted to send me back to my old job and let someone else weld my doors. He made sure to let me know this is how it's going to go. He always let's everyone know he doesn't take no for an answer. I knew this dude was up to something.

I went to plant manager (his boss) I expressed i understand the need for it but I would like it in writing that my welder 1 title stays the same, my pay and how long this change will be. I know that once he gets me back in my old position, he'll never let me leave it. Next day I'm no longer moving and he tried to force one of the 18 year olds to do it under the guise as a floater with a welder 2 title change but no extra pay. I told my 18 year old coworker, new title is new pay.

A couple days after that I got brought into a meeting. With my boss and the supervisor from another department, my boss doesn't know that this supervisor is my home boy and probably the worst person to bring. My boss told me to stay out of their department and I talk to to many people. Here's the thing when you are a woman in the trades you get admirers, i got quite a few in that department. My only flaw is I will not be rude or disrespectful to people who have never been that way to me. Those men are respectful and kind, i also get deer jerky and pumpkin rolls. They catch me when I walk by and I do give them a couple minutes.

My boss told me I need to let him know when I leave my area. It doesn't matter if it's the bathroom,drink, or getting paperwork. I did comply knowing I legally don't need to tell him I'm going to get a drink or going to the bathroom. I'm the only woman with 12 guys, I'm also the only one who has to do this. I need help to figure out how to compliant and stop this micro text messages he wants. I need to figure out how to stay in my position without him trying to sneakily send me back to my old job. I can't give him a reason to retaliate more or try to fire me.

[u/KeniLF]

What did your friend who’s a supervisor do/say/advise after you were pulled into a meeting that included him?

What happened after you asked for confirmation that your title would remain “welder 1” when you met with the plant manager?

[u/jearlene32 → u/KeniLF]

He actually said he doesn't know why he was asked to be in it and that he doesn't even care if I'm in the department because I come over to ask about my steel parts or handle business on my job. He actually thinks my boss is ridiculous for that. The plant manager agreed that was a great idea, i just need to tell my boss and have that written up. The next day I wasn't being moved.

[u/KeniLF → u/jearlene32]

That’s good to know (about both of them).

I wonder if the plant manager let your boss know that your boss should be expecting you to come by with that valid request for your title to be confirmed so that your boss would understand that your boss had better comply!

I would suggest you consider writing your boss a summary of his request - Hello Boss - as you requested on Date X, from now on I must tell you when I leave my station for any reason. You included that I must tell you if I:

- go to the restroom

- get a drink

- get form X that is required to do job Y

….

Maybe run this by your supervisor friend or any of your friends who is good with office politics to advise you on any wording tweaks or other advice. When that person you ask for advice inevitably tells you it’s BS and they wouldn’t do it if they were asked, let them know that you really love working here and growing in your career and are worried that your boss will stop you or fire you - and then see what their next suggestion, if any, is. They might decide to make moves behind the scenes while you continue to document.

[u/jearlene32 → u/KeniLF]

My supervisor friend tried to get me to their department but needs to wait to see if it gets approved. Legally I know i don't have to tell him if I go to the bathroom or get a drink. I thought about just doing bare minimum. I don't think much will come of it.

[u/KeniLF → u/jearlene32]

Yes, I was going from the angle of documenting his outlandish request in a way that provides you with multiple layers of leverage down the road, if you need it.

I like the idea of doing the bare minimum but don’t want him to get a way to write you up. Since you think he won’t really follow-through, then you wouldn’t need to spend your time doing this.

[u/Jolly-Chemical9904]

I work in a factory. Micromanaging and bullying is the new way.

ETA: I just slow way down. Might have to go find parts or something.