Mass Verbal Warning

mr_fishbulb

So if someone at work makes an innocent comment about something and I don't like them, I can tell my boss I was offended by it and get them a warning?

Tabbykatt

Boomdocker wrote:

It doesnt even need intent or to be directed at them, a comment over heard, a joke as they walk passd can fall under offensive or unwanted banter etc.

Seems that this piece of workplace legislation will make a working day very very boring! Is no-one allowed a sense of humour anymore, just incase offence is caused to anyone who may be within earshot. I have a vision of employees hiding in the stationary cupboard just to share a joke, but then they would have to make sure the said cupboard was soundproofed just incase it could be overheard!:eek:

We seem to live in a pampered state where anyone can shout 'racism' at any opportunity and everyone incl. employers run scared! If it were meant in a derogatory manner towards the complainant then yes something needs to be done, but really, just overhearing another groups conversation.. is there no privacy?

NAR

Can't understand why no one affected has gone to their union rep to complain, unless they were one of the ones disciplined!! :rotfl:
Boss is definitely in breach of the procedures, as others have posted.

Boomdocker

mr_fishbulb wrote:

So if someone at work makes an innocent comment about something and I don't like them, I can tell my boss I was offended by it and get them a warning?

Potentiallly, yes.

Theres a fine line between common sense and what really hurts. In your example you stated that you might complain if you didnt like them which is interesting as it should be if it offends you. And on and on it goes.

Without saying it all again thats why any alleged incident should be thoroughly investigated before a decision is made otherwise how is it fair to either party.

If I was in the party that the OP described and I didnt do it I'd be appealing but that is based on my workplaces policy.

patchwork_cat

Employment law is not my field and it may be based on individual conditions of service, but I was under the impression that when a verbal warning was to be issued you were advised previously and could take representation with you,i.e Your UNION.

I would suggest that your friend talks to his union and checks his conditions of service in his contract.

superscotsman

ceegee wrote:

Some people are too quick to take offence, even where none was intended. If we put our minds to it I'm sure it wouldn't take too long for each of us to come up with many ocassions where we could have "chosen" to take offence, but where common sense dictated that it would be best to just let it go, or to realise that no offence was intended. There are some right touchy people around, IMHO.

What! You're talking about me again! You're only picking on me cos I'm Scotch. How dare you say I have no common sense!

the_tired_one

Seems like these guys that got warned maybe just trying to cover each others backs by coming up with a story.

ceegee

superscotsman wrote:

What! You're talking about me again! You're only picking on me cos I'm Scotch. How dare you say I have no common sense!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Some years ago, when I worked in an office, I was eating a pear at lunchtime. Someone (a man) said "that's a nice juicy pear you've got there ceegee!" I laughed so much I nearly choked......the whole office thought it was an hilarious comment. No-one took offence, because none was intended.

Now don't get me on to so-called sexism claims........ :rolleyes:

superscotsman

I forget what cowboy film it was or what was said, but Gary Cooper drew his gun on someone in a saloon and said something like: "If a man wants to say that to me he'd better be smiling when he says it. Now smile!" And the other guy duly showed the old pearly whites.
As you say something can be banter in one situation and an insult in another.

Belair

I gave written joke to a colleague of mine, I knew that she would enjoy it. However, she passed to to a second person, who in turn, passed it to a third.
This third person claims to be very offended and has made an offical complaint. Will we all be in trouble or just me?
It is me that she has made the complaint against as she saw me pass the joke.