The relationship between HR and workers is highly problematic. That’s because HR works to maintain the management status quo. That’s their prime job.
You have as much chance of a HR quisling advocating for you to management as building snowmen in hell.
My advice is if you have a serious issue, keep a journal and all correspondence (emails, notes, etc) and conversations. If it starts to flame out of control, see an IR lawyer.
Below is a real example from a Sydney Morning Herald reader:
“I went through a ghastly experience at work and went to our HR team. They said they would treat my experience with “the utmost seriousness”. It was clear they didn’t believe what I was saying and sided with the person who caused me grief. A friend said ‘HR departments aren’t there for employees. They’re there for the company’. I’ve finally had the issue resolved (HR did nothing). I don’t work for the company anymore. But my question is, is my friend’s advice true?”
Management Professor Emmanuel Josser Management at the University of Technology Sydney says the friend’s advice is right. HR departments are there to represent the boss’s interests.
Sarah McCann-Bartlett, Chief Executive of the Australian HR Institute, said, “HR works for both the employee and the organisation”. She said a good HR department should never capitulate to management.
If that sounds like bullshit, it is. If you’ve got a major problem, get legal advice. HR protect management’s interests, not the workers.