NationStates Jolt Archive

Well where i work at (Fishers Foods) a family owned business in Stark County, Ohio. One of the Battleground Counties of a Battleground state. So feelings about the election are pretty strong both ways.

I'm not sure about what really happened at the actual incident, it went down one of two ways, Fishers Foods is a grocery store and a lady had a Campaign pin on. Two of the Baggers were discussing the election(they are High School kids their opinion shouldn't matter much, they can't vote) and a customer came through their cashier line, one said something she didn't like about the candidate she supported. Well as this bagger was taking her groceries out they got into a political discussion that turned into an arguement. She called the store and left a complaint about this. I don't know what disciplinary action was taken if any but a new rule has been implemented and it borders on if not violates free speach. "Workers are not to discuss politics or religion while they work, only in the backrooms or off the clock" Pretty gay because i'm a Stocker and I like to talk to other workers while I work or I go insane. I am a registered voter and can vote and some of the things I read here and discuss with my coworkers gives me insight on my more or less undecided vote.


I personaly think this violates free speech, I mean 3 weeks before the election and that is on everyones mind and suddenly not allowed to talk about it, its plain Bullshit.

oh yee of little understanding of the first amdendment. it is a restriction on government not private business. your job can tell you what not to discuss while on the job. If you don't like it you are free to move on to a different job.

welcome to the real world mate.

While I think it's crap that your boss has done this, it technically doesn't violate free speech protections because you're talking about speech uttered during the course of a workday while being paid to do a job, and businesses are given a lot of leeway in that respect. The First Amendment only covers government restriction of speech, not private restriction, so your boss is within his rights to make the rule he did.

I still think it's crap, and it's more crap that the woman complained because she disagreed with something a bagger at a grocery store said about a political figure (and I don't even care who was on who's side). Politics is everywhere right now, and even if it means we're more divided at the moment, I'd rather have us divided than complacent.

That really does suck.

That just shows you how far some will go to be politically correct.

I personaly think this violates free speech,

You might want to look into that it. North of the border it is a total violation of Charter Rights, they'd never be able to make a rule like that.

It's just common courtesy in the work place. Didn't someone ever tell you the three things you're never supposed to talk about at work? Sex, religion, and politics. It's got nothing to do with suppression of free speech. It's to keep tension out of the workplace, as those three topics have a way of quickly getting to people, and to keep the customers happy. They don't shop at your store for a difference of opinion. Or an agreement for that matter. They're there to receive a service, and it the responsibility of the buisness to prove that service in a pleasant and non-abrasive manner.

You might want to look into that it. North of the border it is a total violation of Charter Rights, they'd never be able to make a rule like that.
That's true, but they can request it to keep things civil. After all, there is such a thing as keeping your big mouth shut... <.< and I have a problem with that.

While I totally support the charter - such as using it against stupid mothers who decide that me saying "bad" words in front of her precious little one is treason - I have come to learn that sometimes, it is best to keep certain topics out of discussion, like religion. I refrain from discussing my religious beliefs in front of my boyfriend's parents because they are conservative Jew, and my beliefs would create issues, especially since I think organinzed religion is a crutch for those who refuse to accept reality.

;) Tycoch, technically, on a legal leve, you are 100% accurate, but from a societal POV, it is sometimes better to let sleeping dogs lie.

I look at it this way, never argue with a customer. That is probably why they got in trouble.

;) Tycoch, technically, on a legal leve, you are 100% accurate, but from a societal POV, it is sometimes better to let sleeping dogs lie.

True, tact is major in the workplace.

I look at it this way, never argue with a customer. That is probably why they got in trouble.

I agree with that, the bagger was a moron, and the lady well we won't get into it. I don't care if we can't discuss with customers that sort of thing, and besides there were no rules on talking other than vulgar language. I can understand religion sort of, i'm athiest so i avoid those discusions anyway. but politics is such a broad topic and can be used anyway they want. Anything you mention can be related to politics.

There's a difference between talking between employees in a back room and talking out on the floor in front of customers. No, the kids should not be allowed to talk politics out near customers anymore than they shouldn't say "Hey, I banged that Sophmore from Geometry class after she gave me a blowjob" in front of customers. It can be offensive to some. They should just shut up and bag groceries.
On the other hand, what was this woman thinking starting a political arguement with a teenager. She should have been the adult and held her tongue.

but politics is such a broad topic and can be used anyway they want. Anything you mention can be related to politics.
Except during the incident in question they weren't discussing the effects of outsourcing on the blue-collar workforce or how the deficit can be reduced. As you said "one said something she didn't like about the candidate she supported."
It's hard to interpret that. What *exactly* was said? (I have a feeling you know). That would make a difference.
If it was, "[The candidate's] position on alternative power sources is antequated." That's pretty general and hard to be offended by. But if it was something like "[The candidate] is a scum-sucking windbag who should be executed by firing squad." Well then you have something that someone might react passionately to.

On the other hand, what was this woman thinking starting a political arguement with a teenager. She should have been the adult and held her tongue.
True, that is just asking for trouble.

I was a bagboy when I was 16. The basic motto is "try not to make eye contact".

Well where i work at (Fishers Foods) a family owned business in Stark County, Ohio. One of the Battleground Counties of a Battleground state. So feelings about the election are pretty strong both ways.

I'm not sure about what really happened at the actual incident, it went down one of two ways, Fishers Foods is a grocery store and a lady had a Campaign pin on. Two of the Baggers were discussing the election(they are High School kids their opinion shouldn't matter much, they can't vote) and a customer came through their cashier line, one said something she didn't like about the candidate she supported. Well as this bagger was taking her groceries out they got into a political discussion that turned into an arguement. She called the store and left a complaint about this. I don't know what disciplinary action was taken if any but a new rule has been implemented and it borders on if not violates free speach. "Workers are not to discuss politics or religion while they work, only in the backrooms or off the clock" Pretty gay because i'm a Stocker and I like to talk to other workers while I work or I go insane. I am a registered voter and can vote and some of the things I read here and discuss with my coworkers gives me insight on my more or less undecided vote.


I personaly think this violates free speech, I mean 3 weeks before the election and that is on everyones mind and suddenly not allowed to talk about it, its plain Bullshit.

I spent a number of years in personnel work. This use to be called "conduct contrary to good order and discipline." Contrary to popular belief, a private or corporate employer can fire you for any reason or for NO reason at all, as long as they're willing to take the heat.

Actually, what kind of person jumps into an arguement with a highschool kid? I would have told that lady to quit talking to the help. I hated being a bagboy; old bitches would talk to you like you were dirt and you had to stand there and take it. Fuck that lady! The kid will be better off not working there.

Actually, what kind of person jumps into an arguement with a highschool kid? I would have told that lady to quit talking to the help. I hated being a bagboy; old bitches would talk to you like you were dirt and you had to stand there and take it. Fuck that lady! The kid will be better off not working there.

So who's arguing?