What is the conflict in James Thurber's "The Catbird Seat"?

The primary conflict in James Thurber's short story, "The
Catbird Seat," arises between the two very opposite characters of Erwin Martin and
Ulgine Barrows. Martin feels that his job--and his general routine--has become
jeopardized by the continuing presence of Barrows, whose standing with the boss of the
company has given her great influence. Though Martin worries that he may soon be fired
from the company, despite his long tenure, it is Barrows' quirky personality that
equally irritates. The two characters are polar opposites: Martin is quiet and
unassuming--a milquetoast character in nearly every respect. Barrows is loud, annoying
and overly colorful--traits that irritate Martin to no end. She so disrupts his life
that he decides she must be eliminated. Though he at first decides upon murder as a way
out, he eventually comes up with a better plan.