Here is the previous thread on my coworker:
http://www.etiquettehell.com/smf/index.php?topic=111835.0We have four apparatuses. Last week Maddie, Tina and I arrived in the morning. Maddie said she needed two, Tina needed one and I needed one. Under certain circumstances, apparatuses can be used jointly - but this wasn't one of them. We all started the prep work needed for our individual use of the apparatus.
Coworker arrived about an hour later, and saw Tina prepping the apparatus. She yelled out "Save one for me!" Tina told her that Maddie was using two more, and that I was next in line for the apparatus. Tina asked coworker if she wanted to use the apparatus along with her, coworker refused. Tina repeated the question, stating that she didn't have a problem waiting for coworker to finish her prep. Coworker refused.
Meanwhile, my prep had hit a snag, and I had to restart it. It included a long waiting period, so I was working at the computer. I then noticed that apparatus #4 was in early stages of assembly on the workbench. I asked Tina if she set it out for me, and then Coworker yelled out "No, it's mine!"
I asked her what was going on, because I heard Tina telling her that I was waiting for it and I know that she heard it.
Coworker's response was that "it didn't look like I was going anywhere" with my apparatus, and "what's the big deal? We can use it together."
So, Coworker decided that I wasn't doing anything and that her work was more important than mine, therefore she can just take the apparatus without asking me first if I intended to use it. She was even being generous towards me and letting me use it with her!
I was really mad so I told her that it's about time she realized that there were other people in our group, whose work is no less important than hers.
To which she replied "Why don't we ask everyone else in the group what they think about you!"
Since then we have been ignoring each other. Tina was a witness to the entire thing, and says that she told Coworker three times that the apparatus was going to be used by me so as far as she is concerned Coworker made her own bed.
What do I do with this horribly unprofessional and immature person? The entire situation could have been avoided if she had just bothered to TALK to me about it.
I think it's petty to bring up such an issue with our supervisor. Can I bring up a "communication problem" in a group meeting?
Talking to her is really not an option because she has the mentality of a first grader. That same day she needed samples from me so she sent lab manager to tell me she is taking them.