Hello everyone, I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I'm really in need of some help. Two weeks ago, I was suspended from work without being informed of the reason. It took five days for me to learn about the allegations during an investigation meeting with my manager and an HR representative who took notes. To my surprise, the allegations were completely absurd and offensive to my image. I firmly denied all of them. This situation has caused immense mental distress and has significantly damaged my credibility.
Let me provide some background information about myself. I'm a mid-20s Asian woman working in the engineering department. I am one of the youngest employees there and have a great relationship with everyone in the department. They treat me like a sister or daughter. I take great care of myself, present myself well, dress nicely, and prioritize health and fitness like a religion. Anyone who knows me can vouch for this.
After discussing these allegations with friends familiar with my work environment, they believe that these claims are rooted in jealousy and discrimination. They advised me not to attend the disciplinary hearing without consulting a legal advisor. However, I'm not part of a union and I'm unsure about the best course of action.
I never want to return to such a toxic work environment, and I'm seeking justice as the ultimate outcome.
Currently, there are two allegations with three witness statements:
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Unacceptable incidents of fouling have been occurring in the ladies' toilets on the 1st and 2nd floors of the MAB building, particularly on the 2nd floor. While there was a one-month period without incidents earlier this year (exact timeframe unclear), a severe incident on June 29th in the 1st floor toilets led to the cleaning department refusing to clean it. A specialized team with additional protective gear had to resolve the issue over the weekend. Cleaners may be reluctant to provide statements or answer questions.
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A group of young personnel, who are hesitant to file formal complaints, have approached me about their concerns. The complainant previously attempted to address the issue through site bulletins in recent weeks and months. However, due to the severe incident on June 29th and the subsequent refusal of cleaners to clean it, they finally reported the matter to HR on June 30th.
On June 30th, I visited the location to investigate the incident that occurred on Thursday. At the time, one of the three cubicles was occupied, so the complainant and others waited outside. After approximately 15 minutes, the person using the cubicle, Katie, exited. No one else entered during that period. The complainant and others then entered the previously occupied cubicle, which was found to be unclean, though not as severe as the incident on Thursday, and the toilet had not been flushed. The complainant informed HR that this issue has been ongoing for months, affecting both the first and second floor toilets.
- Ongoing issues with toilets and the smell of vaping have been reported in the ladies' restroom on the second floor for several months. The cleaner of the second floor toilets brought the toilet issues to the attention of AD (likely a supervisor or manager). AD noticed the smell of vaping when someone occupied one of the cubicles for an extended period. Later, while in her office near the second floor ladies' toilets, AD saw Katie walk past. AD only discussed the vaping issue with DY and not the toilet issue, as vaping clearly violated site rules, whereas the toilet issue did not involve a specific rule violation. AD issued site bulletins addressing the toilet issues specifically for the second floor, and the complainant did the same for the first floor.
After AD spoke to DY about the vaping issue, both the toilet and vaping problems ceased immediately in the second floor ladies' toilets.
All these allegations are based on hearsay and lack solid evidence. Considering my office job and my routine walks within the building using different routes, anyone who knows me would find these allegations utterly ridiculous, as I take immense pride in my appearance, smell, fitness, and personal hygiene.
It's almost laughable, but these allegations seriously impact my credibility, career, and overall image. Moreover, I'll need to find a new job since I never want to return to that toxic environment. Complicating matters, I currently live 8000km away from my family, and my tenancy is ending in two weeks. I don't want to renew it without knowing where my new job will be, so this situation is causing significant inconvenience for me.