Date: 201408
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: B737-800
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Parked
Aircraft component: Fuselage Fairings
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Technician
Reporter qualification: Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Human factors: Distraction; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Maintenance
When detected: Routine Inspection
Result: General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Company Policy; Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: B737-800 aircraft. Overnight aircraft with Bill of Work (BOW) # XXXX for Routine Service. In the process of walkaround inspection; damage to 'Wing to Body' panel was found to have potential damage/and or delamination.  I made decision to request a Line Engineering Order (LEO) at XA:00AM to allow the aircraft to fly with the panel damage; deferred.  At shift turnover; (with the LEO not accomplished by our local technical support); Maintenance Supervisor X became irate and aggressive and tried to attempt to intimidate me by getting in my face and yelling that a LEO was not necessary and I needed to go out and finish the aircraft. I told him the only other option would require Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). I asked if he had read the paperwork that we had pulled up; and he said he glanced at it; and I needed to get out there and finish the aircraft. I told him that if he continued with his attitude that I would end the discussion. He then told me to; 'Go home then; right now.'  I stated to him that I would; and would no longer discuss anything with him until he behaved in a more professional nature. After he regained composure; he stated that he was ready to have a professional conversation; at which point I returned to the office. He then asked if I would like a job extension to finish the aircraft; at which point I refused.The event occurred because you have a Front Line Leader violating critical behaviors and our air carrier's Rules of Conduct. The result is two fold: You have a hostile and intimidating work environment; in addition to serious 'Unacceptable Behavior' infractions. When a Front Line Leader attempts to intimidate an employee into working around FAA Rules and Regulations; or becomes aggressive and irate when faced with safety; quality or compliance [issues]; our whole 'Respect; Fairness and Accountability' culture is at risk. I will omit any suggestions with regard to Rules of Conduct. I believe that the event speaks for itself. Intimidation or interference with proper maintenance actions should not be tolerated. Safety standards reduced.




Synopsis: A Line Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) describes a hostile work environment where an aggressive and irate Line Maintenance Supervisor attempted to intimidate him into working around FAA Rules and Regulations. Technician had found a damaged 'Wing to Body' panel during an overnight maintenance visit on a B737-800 aircraft.