Inappropriate workplace behaviour?

[Anonymous]

I weekly attend a local store to provide a cleaning service. Everyone is friendly and enjoys banter so always good for a chat and a laugh.

Last week, one of them who talks to me the most took things a bit too far, in my opinion.

1. As I was walking through a door into the next room sliding a mop bucket I felt someone really close behind me, I looked back and apologised for leisurely walking and he says "no don't be sorry I like to see a woman working, rawr! Oops I've said too much" i laughed it off and kept going

2. Not long after he goes "are you still single?" He laughed and then paused. He doesn't know if I am or not, we don't talk about our personal lives because we only come into contact with each other 2 hours a week. But I've seen him with his partner and kids, he's definitely not single.

3. I was walking through the same door again but with a vacuum this time, I moved and said sorry (long extension cord in the way) and he grabs my forearm and literally whispers "don't be sorry" and that felt like crossing the line to me.

I felt all kinds of uncomfortable and hate the thought of having to go back again.

What do I do?

[spartan55]

Wtf? That guy is a fucking weirdo. Talk to your supervisor about and give as much detail as you gave here. Hopefully they will have your back.

[Asker]

Thank you! I honestly didn't know what to do, I'm worried I'll be told that I'm being too sensitive (my boss is not an understanding person) but I can't stop thinking about it

[spartan55]

I would never work for someone/an employer who did not have my back. I get that leaving a job sucks, but to me this is a safety concern.

[Asker]

I'm close with the guys boss and manager (I clean their houses and they honestly have had my back more than my actual boss) but I don't want to cost someone their job either. Maybe I can get another cleaner to come in with me so I'm not alone

[spartan55]

If he loses his job it's because of his conduct, not you. The buddy plan would be a good idea. Does that client need two cleaners?

[Asker]

Yeah his employer won't put up with that.
Not really it's only a 2 hour job :/ and they only want me there because they like my cleaning and routine, they even said if i left they'll pull the contract from my employer completely. And they won't allow cleaning after hours either.

[spartan55]

I would carry some OC spray with you, which you definitely should for that job anyway.

[Asker]

That's not legal to buy or use where I live unfortunately :( would be so reassuring to have

[spartan55]

Really? May I ask where that is?

[Asker]

Australia, a woman faced 14 years in jail just for having it in her handbag :/

[spartan55]

Whaaaat? Wow... talk about cruel and unusual punishment. So how are you supposed to defend yourself against criminals?

[Asker]

Exactly! It's considered a controlled substance in just 1 state of Australia, but its classed as a prohibitive weapon everywhere else. Makes no sense. We're allowed rape alarms, as if that'd help.

[spartan55]

Do the criminals still have firearms?

[Asker]

Not sure how easy it is in America or elsewhere but you need a firearm licence here and a 'genuine' reason for wanting a gun

[spartan55]

Let me guess, some government authority gets to determine if your reason is valid and 99/100 it is not... Here in America it depends on which state you live in. I won't ever live in a state that is restrictive in that way. America isn't as violent as it's portrayed in the media, although school shootings are a big problem.

[Asker]

Yeah you either need a gun for rural purposes, pest control, animal welfare etc its very strict, you can't have a gun for protection here, only law enforcement.
Yeah school shootings is one thing we don't have to worry about thank goodness

[Wise4myage]

Yes, especially the part where he grabbed your arm. That's creepy.

[Asker]

Yeah I couldn't even laugh that off. When the other workers were around he was normal. Everything I mentioned was done in private.

[Wise4myage]

Be careful around that guy.

[Asker]

Don't even wanna go back, but will be awkward to tell my boss

[Wise4myage]

Then consider talking to this guy in private.