Workmen sitting on Melbourne Grove

[Cassius]

Has anyone else come across this lot? They sit outside the cafe near to the Melbourne Grove Medical practice every morning. Usually I am on the Post Office side and cross right on the junction, but a couple of times I've crossed earlier and walked past them - both times I have been subjected to very unpleasant comments, and today was very rudely insulted. Problem is that you are (a) caught unawares (b) do they really mean you and © in a rush to get to catch your train so unlikely to challenge them.

Has anyone else come across this, or is it just me they've taken a dislike to? I don't usually let such petty mindededness upset me, but their comments are not funny merely rude and hurtful.

[Annasfield]

I've noticed them - they never commented (well not that I've heard), but they do leer as you walk past. I always walk down with my housemate, so if I'm with her I ignore them. If I'm on my own I just smile and walk on by.

They do quite obviously watch all the girls walk to the station.

[SeanMacGabhann]

No doubt all reading their Telegraph/Times/Guardian as they do so

I'm sure the Sun is just a bit of fun and in no way is it's depiction of women informing it's readers opinions (and you would be a fool and a communist for saying so).. ahem

For the record I love pictures of the laydeeeez as much as the next man. But not in a newspaper. And if I like reading trashy gossip (not as much as I used to) then at least I balance it with other stuff.

As for the workers in question.. in the past some women have told me they quite like it when they get attention from workers. Many more say they hate it... My feeling is if you find someone attractive there are better ways of making it known...

[Cassius]

I am not talking about a 'Morning Darlin' I would probably smile and say 'Morning' back or even a whistle, I am talking about very rude and unkind comments about my appearance. I have a sense of humour and don't mind a bit of banter, but I don't like being insulted at 7.45 am when I am not at my most witty.

[Keef]

A simple "f**k off" should do the trick, no need to be witty, it would probably sail right over their heads.

[*Bob*]

If you scurry past each morning, eyes down and uncomfortable, they won't stop.

If you're in a public place, make them feel uncomfortable by stopping and calling them on it. Loudly.

[Keef]

Exactly right, and chances are the majority of them will all then rip the piss out of the ring leader because he got "told by a bird".

[*Bob*]

Never underestimate the Average Brit's capacity for embarrassment when challenged in public.

[Mark]

Ask the main perpetrator his name, then let us know by posting his name and description on here. We can then walk past him and say "stop harassing my sister Tom/Dick/Harry/whatever" and he'll think you've got loads of family. I might even do it with a fedora hat, long long coat and a Sicilian/Brooklyn accent.

[Shu.Kurimu.Sensei]

Got a camera phone? Or a small digicam? Post some pictures on here so everyone can have fun with Photoshop, imagine their surprise when their kids or mates see their stupid faces on a public image board >:D<...

[MelbourneGr]

Noisy buggers - the ring leader is the fat bald bloke who seems to laugh at everything. He has a very annoying laugh which penetrates my double glazing rather well.

I should just ignore them for now. The cowboy project they're working on won't last forever.

[ChavWivaLawDegree]

He's fat and bald and insulting other people? Maybe just show him a mirror.

[Frisco]

"The cowboy project they're working on won't last forever."

Which project is it?

[TillieTrotter]

As someone said earlier, look him in the eye and tell him to go f**k himself as noone else probably would. The fat bully(6)

[MelbourneGr]

Not sure which project they're working on, nor the contractor they work for. It was raining today so they were sat inside. For once the rain did us a favour.

[Monkey]

I am very surprised. I have seen them every morning for at least six months I would say and they have never said a word to me, good or bad. They usually seem to be having a good laugh with each other. I hear what you say though. Why don't you chat to the owner of the shop? I also highly recommend the F*** o** approach which often does the trick!

[Asset]

If they are making comments about either your race or sexuality you could call the police, maybe you can also do that for sexist and abusive comments. I was under the impression (may be an urban myth) that it is now illegal for building site workers to wolf whistle at women from scaffolding etc.

I'm not sure the swearing at them would do any good, probably just egg them on, if you feel that you are being targeted unfairly and it is distressing for you, why don't you try the police and make an offical complaint.

[Siduhe]

Just my 0.02, but I think a far better approach than "f-off" or reporting them, would be to walk over next time they do it. Look them in the eye and introduce yourself "Hi, I'm [name]" and say that their behaviour and that kind of language is making you really uncomfortable and you just wanted them to know that.

It's much harder to shout that kind of stuff at someone who's name you know and in my experience, even if the ringleader is too much of an idiot to respond, his mates may think twice about indulging him.

[lilolil]

Give them some colouring books without the crayons..................

[tropica]

MelbourneGr Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Not sure which project they're working on, nor the

> contractor they work for. It was raining today so

> they were sat inside. For once the rain did us a

> favour.

Perhaps the Morrisson's vans that are always parked on the other side of the road at the same time as they are sitting outside the cafe are related.

If anyone gets any trouble from contractor's staff the easy option is to send an email of complaint to the contractor - you should find the address on the internet. Surprising as it might seem contractors do take notice of any complaints relating to harassment of the general public, particularly when a large percentage of their business comes from councils/public bodies/utilities.

Also, it isn't illegal for workmen to wolf whistle, but doing so can be a valid reason for dismissal.

[blinder999]

Good point Tropica:

http://www.morrisonplc.com/our-social-responsibility/

[Cassius]

Hi

Thanks to everyone who has commented. I don't think a face to face confrontation is my way of dealing with things - I think however if it happens again I will make a complaint to Morrissons.

[Annasfield]

Why not print off this thread and hand it to them?! They'll soon get the message then....

[MadameChocolat]

You also could try:

http://www.safersouthwark.org.uk/

[Shu.Kurimu.Sensei]

How about a water pistol? Or egging them? :)