Sounds like you have two choices. You can attempt to get management or upper management to intervene which you have indicated will be fruitless since this employee is a fixture or you can cope with management's weakness by keeping a supportable account of your involvement in whatever chaos is occurring and focus on remedying the chaos. Sooner or later the fixture will reveal themselves to be unreliable as a source for resolving problems but very instrumental in maintaining the chaos. Hope that helps.

He or she don't write your paycheck just keep doing what you do Denise

You said that after searching for months, you gave up & took this job. Don't give up; you are ahead of the game now that you are employed. Keep searching for a workplace that fits your style while working at the same time.

You stated that you gave up and took this job. Keep searching while employed. The odds are against the company disciplining an employee of 20 year tenure with any regard to a new kid on the block.

Jean, any chance of you becoming his friend. Most people won't teat a friend bad, like you said he feels threatened by you, maybe he will warm up to you once he gets to know you, it's a chance.

Become his friend. Ask to help him. Find out what you have in common and talk about it. Find an activity you can do together. Most coworkers will not complain about those they like, have something in common or prove helpful.

Don't interact and go into that "dark hole"... I met Muhammad Ali once and he said his best weapon was to to take every shot they have as long as it takes and don't say anything. He was right because I have done it and it works. Don't let other people define you. Kevan @kevankipp@gmail.com

Neglect him as if he is not prevailed. Concentrate on your job and keep going up. Never look behind you. Always record and archive your job to protect as your own doings. Try to tolerate as much as you can. Be sure 100% that Ice will melt and thaw at the end, and all coworkers will dissociate the Bad from the Good.

I know all too well your dilemma!!! I am one of the best offset pressman in the southeast and have run into that exact situation several times. Even when I have changed career paths and did something else. Other people have always moved ahead off my sweat and it's been frustrating. I'm looking for a job in management now myself but I'm afraid that I've somehow been blackballed in my area . Sometimes , being the smartest person in the room and no one will listen to you can drive you nuts over time. I can tell you stories.....but for now I'll keep my mouth shut

i have been where you are. It called bullying. There are all types of bullying. If he has put anythinkg in writing :save it". Then go to the person at the top with with truth and the undenied material that he cannot go back on. Also what really works is an after thought "you can knock him out" Just quick and easy..............steven