[Harvestdream]

I made a post a couple months ago about tribalism happening in the workplace. The supervisor that set that trend since left. Foolish me, I applied for the position thinking I could make a difference. Well, I got it! And now I'm paying for it.
I started right before covid-19 became an issue in our state so there were additional stresses that went along with my first day. I did the best I could and hit some bumps along the way like any new position but I enjoy my new job and team, and have a 1 year probation period.
Fast forward 3 weeks. We suddenly get a new manager due to the previous one having health issues. The new manager has been a manager in our division for years, but not in our team so there's always been several degrees of separation.
We have several positions open to be filled, and and we received an email from our director saying that now in a hiring freeze. The new manager has determined that she wants to evaluate all vacancies and determine if we even need them in addition to the hiring freeze.
As a supervisor, HR emailed me to say there is an exemption request I can submit, and she thinks that our teams vacancies are applicable due to be priority 1 or 2. So, I responded to the director's email, included my new supervisor and asked this would be applicable to our team and appropriate for us to pursue. I also stated that I understood that there was an evaluation of the positions that needed to happen, and asked if I could help.
My supervisor was NOT impressed with me. She replied back with this:

As we have discussed on a few different occasions this past week, the current open positions within ******** will be reviewed prior to being approved for exemption, or placed on hold during the hiring freeze. ***** (*the director's name*)has asked that I review all current open positions within ******** to ensure we are placing our resources in the appropriate areas. I will set up a time for you and I to discuss this in greater detail, so you can be clear of direction of the ********* open positions.

Is it just me or was that an incredibly snippy and condescending response? I feel like it's bordering on violating our respectful workplace policy. I told myself not to over react, I was reading too much into it, and it would be fine. The next morning we have a 1:1. Well I was right to worry. She was MAD, made comments such as "I realized after your email that I needed to meet with you sooner rather than later" and "not sure why you thought that was ok". She referenced the chain of command and how I tried to go around her. Um...if I was trying to go around you, why did I include you in it??
The next thing she did really took me back...I was given a letter of expectations. Apparently she said she gives this to all employees... but no one else on my team has received one yet. She said several times that it's not meant to be disciplinary and it says that in the letter... but that is standard verbiage in those letters. I'm expected to sign it an return it to her.
There are things that are standard, like dress appropriately, be professional, etc. But also things like I can't have correspondence with anyone above my classification without her knowing and being cc'd on the emails.
I'm VERY uncomfortable with signing this because it takes away an additional step of progressive discipline right off the bat and it's becoming clear very quickly that she doesn't like me. I found out another co-worker emailed the supervisor the same day to ask about the exemption and was THANKED for following up about it
I did speak to hr about this and they disapprove of her using the letter of expectation for new staff but cannot stop it and suggested I speak to a union rep. I do worry that sets me out as a problem child though. Others on my team are fearful of her and are too scared to speak out or even ask questions because they worry about losing their jobs.
I feel like my options are basically be cowed into her control tactics and do as she demands or be myself and get fired because she doesn't like that. I'm really worried about not making it through probation and how miserable my life is going to be with her as my new boss.
Is it me? Am I over reacting? This is 2 people in a row I've had "problems" with and it begs the question of whether I'm the issue or not.

[sarahsweets]

I would follow HR advice. Talk to the union for advice. They cant say or do anything without your consent.

HR might have said they didnt approve of the letter but you still need to ask them if you can decline to sign it. If this isnt a formal dicipline letter.
(What to Do if You Disagree With an Employee Write-Up | Chron.com)
Is it considered a performance review or disciplinary action?

[Harvestdream]

Hi Sarahsweets...it's considered "corrective" action, which is done before disciplinary action. If you wanted to fire someone, this is always the first step. HR said if I don't sign she could not certify my probation (fire me).

[hvert]

Is it possible it has turned into a crappy place to work? I just read your earlier post and it sounds like what used to be a good environment where people were empowered to correct problems has changed into a more bureaucratic organization since the merger. Did the director reply at all to your message about the hiring freeze? Your basic take on the situation seems pretty on target to me, unfortunately. Is there a third option where you can get a new job and quit this one?

[Harvestdream]

Hi Hvert...you are right. In hindsight, work has changed a lot. It used to be a place I couldn't wait to get to and actually looked forward to attending on Mondays.
Surprisingly, the director didn't respond at all. I was sure he'd say something apologizing for her tone, but nope.
I am going to start looking for a new job in a different department. We are in a hiring freeze within my agency right now so it will be awhile.
Thanks for listening!