Dignity at Work

UsernameAlreadyExists

gb12345 wrote: »

Do you actually understand what f-tard means?

Yes.

gb12345 wrote: »

If you do adn still think it is inoffensive then that says a lot about you and I expect your idea of a good weekend is a trip to the footie to make monkey gestures at certain players.

I take offence at that remark and am going to report your judgmental post. Ironic much?

gb12345 wrote: »

And as to WHO decides it is offensive, then perhaps you should read zzzLazyDaisy's post where she makes it quite clear why it would be deemed offensive.

I didn't ask why, I asked WHO.

Tiddlywinks

UsernameAlreadyExists wrote: »

So "WHO" decides then? Why is f-tard offensive, and bad apple is not ? Can you show me the rule book please?

Have a read of this for some guidance... suggesting a colleague has a mental disability as an insult (which is what that phrase actually means) is just not acceptable.

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=797

UsernameAlreadyExists wrote: »

You have also missed the point. If he claims to be "unchuffed" at being called something as inoffensive as a f-tard, then he'll also be "unchuffed" at being called a "cry baby".

I would consider most namecalling unacceptable in a professional environment...

UsernameAlreadyExists wrote: »

Yes it does ... FCUK t-shirts are all over the place. They deliberately market them for the dramatic shock that ensues when people like you will suffer when you see a naughty word written on someone's t-shirt.

People like me?

I don't find FCUK t-shirts offensive, that has nothing whatsoever to do with this subject... your previous comment suggested that the word 'f-tard' must be OK as it was printed on a t-shirt sold on an internet site... I simply responded by saying that that was not a measure of general acceptability at work.

gb12345

UsernameAlreadyExists wrote: »

I take offence at that remark and am going to report your judgmental post. Ironic much?

So what is the difference between me making that remark and you happily referring to someone as an F'tard that makes you want to run to teacher and complain? Seems like you are happy to dish it out, but can't take it back.

UsernameAlreadyExists wrote: »

I didn't ask why, I asked WHO.

And the WHY explains the WHO - whoever decided that the UK should have discrimination laws to protect the disabled.

UsernameAlreadyExists

gb12345 wrote: »

So what is the difference between me making that remark and you happily referring to someone as an F'tard that makes you want to run to teacher and complain? Seems like you are happy to dish it out, but can't take it back.

So you missed the ironic bit? I really couldn't give a damn what you think of me or call me. I was making a joke about reporting the post. Jeez.

gb12345 wrote: »

And the WHY explains the WHO - whoever decided that the UK should have discrimination laws to protect the disabled.

Perhaps you should read post #1 again

I swore online using the phrase f-tard to refer to depot workers who pack things in such a way that goods are always being broken/damaged. No names were mention as it was just a general message to UP there act.

There is no discrimination here. Get a grip.

UsernameAlreadyExists

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Have a read of this for some guidance... suggesting a colleague has a mental disability as an insult (which is what that phrase actually means) is just not acceptable.

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=797

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

I would consider most namecalling unacceptable in a professional environment...

I wouldn't.

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

People like me?

Used for effect. Perhaps not you specifically but it was your post I was responding to at the time, consider it aimed at most of the posters on this thread who seem to be offended by a naughty word.

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

I don't find FCUK t-shirts offensive, that has nothing whatsoever to do with this subject... your previous comment suggested that the word 'f-tard' must be OK as it was printed on a t-shirt sold on an internet site... I simply responded by saying that that was not a measure of general acceptability at work.

But clearly it is in that workplace ... read post 1 again.

ianuk1 wrote: »

Others have done the same though using bad apples, idiots, fools, etc. f-tard is a commonly used word to describe idiots, etc.

paulineb_2

Ive worked in jobs where Ive been referred to as every swear word under the some and then some, because of the client group I worked with. Id actually be concerned that your employer thinks its ok to have a culture where people are regularly called bad apples, idiots, fools. No one deserves to be called names in their workplaces (well, if you work with young people like I did, it becomes commonplace)

People shouldnt go to work to be abused full stop. It is the case if you are sacked and someone else who said something offensive wasnt, the company need to apply the disciplinary process fairly to all employees.

And as has already been said, if you are sacked for unfair dismissal and have the required amount of service, you could think about taking an employer to tribunal.

Im not sure its right to be in a situation where its ok to call someone a fool and not to call someone something stronger, because people shouldnt have been called names in the first place online.

You want someone to up their game, speak to them, its far better all round.

Honeypie

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

It might be that the employer has only just become aware of the 'culture' of degrading commentary from its empoyees... so is now dealing with it...

Also, the OP didn't say others used exactly *that* phrase... only that they also voiced criticisms.

Given that it appears reasonable for the use of that phrase to be seen as gross misconduct, I would say that the best the OP can hope for is a formal written warning.

You're absolutely correct, the employer may well be dealing with this culture. But when giving my advice, I can only go on the information given.

I think what derogatory term the OP and others at his place of work have used is neither here nor there. I would think the real issue is that an employee is criticising others online - whether that be about staff or customers - and that could bring the company into disrepute. If others are doing the same, as the OP hinted at, then my advice would be to provide evidence of this.

Honeypie

paulineb wrote: »

Ive worked in jobs where Ive been referred to as every swear word under the some and then some, because of the client group I worked with. Id actually be concerned that your employer thinks its ok to have a culture where people are regularly called bad apples, idiots, fools. No one deserves to be called names in their workplaces (well, if you work with young people like I did, it becomes commonplace)

People shouldnt go to work to be abused full stop. It is the case if you are sacked and someone else who said something offensive wasnt, the company need to apply the disciplinary process fairly to all employees.

And as has already been said, if you are sacked for unfair dismissal and have the required amount of service, you could think about taking an employer to tribunal.

Im not sure its right to be in a situation where its ok to call someone a fool and not to call someone something stronger, because people shouldnt have been called names in the first place online.

You want someone to up their game, speak to them, its far better all round.

My sentiments exactly.

imoneyop

UsernameAlreadyExists wrote: »

There is no discrimination here. Get a grip.

Legally, the very fact that a discriminatory term was used is enough. It doesn't have to be directed at a particular person. If someone felt that they were being discriminated against by the use of the term then that would be enough.

harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them

https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights/how-you-can-be-discriminated-against

dandelionclock30

I think they will sack you.
You will be very lucky if you get off with a final written warning.
Even if they are letting other people get away with it, do you really honestly think people from there would come forward and support you with this? They will not back you against their employer it wont happen.
You should prepare yourself for the worst.