So we have a guy at work who just came out as gay. So now it's a big thing And the talk of the store. He was called upstairs and management said he cased a distrubance and if the commotion does not die down He can get fired. Everyone said they cannot fire him because of what others are saying. Can they?
lol if they ever tried to do anything to him there will be and endless sea of lawyers willing to take up a discrimination suit against them. Nothing will happen.
first, why in the world do people feel the need to share their sexual nature at work ?
simply NOT the place. keep it out of work.
but, anyway is he, still in his probation period?
NORMALLY, if you are in your probation period, they can fire you for anything they want, no matter how stupid.
but gay is the most protected thing in the world right now, so even if he is still in probation period, there most likely won't be anything done.
if he's been there a while, he could get away with anything, short of murder, and not have to worry.
even theft, he'd have to be caught red handed, or lawyers would come in and say he was set up by homophobes.
welcome to modern america.....
I couldn't have written this any better.
Everyone has a chip on their shoulder, a bone to pick.....a civil right that's been violated. And yes, the current flavor of the week is being gay. It's better protected than the spotted owl. THAT'S WHY, if this guy's really showing his ass, so to speak, nooooo, they won't come after the gay part.
They'll be smart about it and nail him on something else. Seen it happen.
Once, on another non retail job, I interviewed a guy who was obviously gay. It was never discussed, but he was very open about it. As it happened, his back ground check red flagged him for some criminal activity, stuff that conflicted with the job we were filling, and I declined him. A week later he starts hanging around, pestering us with ceaseless questions about why he wasn't hired......then we get a call from a LAWYER claiming the prick had come to him, wanting a discrimination suit.
The lawyer and I both had a healthy chuckle over that!
The managers couldn't possibly be stupid enough to fire him for being gay. He is what he is. But, then again these are Kroger managers....
Since the managers called him to the office and said what they said, they will have a hard time firing him because he is on probation.
He probably shouldn't discuss it while at work on the clock.
As for other people talking about him, they can be fired for sexual discrimination if they are speaking badly about him or using slurs or telling jokes in very poor taste. They shouldn't even post anything on any social networks about it.
It's not really wise to open up about anything concerning yourself at Kroger. From my experience and based off of what I've read here... a majority of the employees love to gossip and talk about fellow co-workers. If you share something about yourself, particularly something that others perceive as "interesting" to talk with their co-workers about, it's going to get around... and fast. Like, really fast. It's great if you work with a handful of people that you feel you can trust and form a bond with, and thus share things that might be on your mind while working, but it's not easy to find people that are like that.
I don't think he'll get fired, unless he's making such a big deal about it that it's drastically interfering with his job responsibilities, because yeah, that's just asking for a lawsuit. I don't think it's fair though of management to have called him upstairs for making a disturbance, unless he really did cause one. How, exactly, did he cause a disturbance? If he's just been mentioning to other employees that he's come to a realization about himself and left it at that, then I'd hardly call that a disturbance. If it's the other employees that are the ones that are making a big deal about it, then maybe they're the ones that need to be talked to about causing a disturbance.
While it would be HUGE public relations nightmare, in Indiana GLBT individuals are not a "protected class" and can be fired for that very reason. Indiana just went through a few rough weeks with this new religious freedom bill that had to be revised several days after it would put in to law.
It depends on the scenario. If they fire him just because he is gay, that is a federal violation, and he will have a right to sue Kroger for termination due to discrimination. If he's horsing around and constantly talking about it, making sexual remarks, saying NSFW stuff at work, etc., then yes they can fire him.
Wow, I just can't imagine living somewhere where coming out at work is such a big deal that it causes a disruption at work. Not that I live in the most accepting state ever but damn, that is wack.
So we have a guy at work who just came out as gay. So now it's a big thing And the talk of the store. He was called upstairs and management said he cased a distrubance and if the commotion does not die down He can get fired. Everyone said they cannot fire him because of what others are saying. Can they?
It's like this company goes out of its way to hire stupid people. Even if the worker in question is not in the union a hungry lawyer would have a field day. And if said lawyer works on contingency it gets even more fun. Though you know that the worker would win.
And imagine the local media coverage.
Here in the Atlanta market if a worker at Kroger was fired for the circumstances you describe the news stations would be all over it. And since it is Atlanta it would easily hit the AP and Reuters within 24 hours.
If you click on this link it shows a map where one can still be fired for being GLBT in a handful of states. The article's source was the American Civil Liberties Union. While it would be a public relation nightmare if Kroger ever fired someone solely for this reason. The only way this can never happen is if Congress ( and we all know how hard they work sometimes) would have to introduce a bill in the Civil Rights code that would protect gays from discrimination.
I myself do not care who someone's orientation is at work, home, etc.
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
I'm gay and not out generally at work because I've seen what the bigoted pricks at my store say and do to those who they find out about. It's not worth it. One girl got harassed because she'd been seen at a mall kissing her gf. One guy who was out was accused of making passes at underage baggers. Do people know about me, sure. A few, but it's really none of their business but I can't escape the woman talking about their boo, grand babies, baby daddies and so on. The double standard is miserable.
So we have a guy at work who just came out as gay. So now it's a big thing And the talk of the store. He was called upstairs and management said he cased a distrubance and if the commotion does not die down He can get fired. Everyone said they cannot fire him because of what others are saying. Can they?
While I identify as bisexual, I would NEVER reveal my sexual orientation to anyone at work. Everyone assumes I am straight because I have a fiance and him and I plan to be married this year. And honestly, that doesn't bother me one bit. I'd rather anyone assume my sexual orientation.
Especially when this will only cause all coworkers to talk about it. Either they will accept you, or snub their noses at you. He most likely either did it for attention or he's honestly that open about his orientation. But for me.. It's too much of a hassle. Half my store already looks at me as the odd one out.. I don't want my sexual orientation to become the center of their hate too.
-- Edited by FuelGal on Sunday 12th of April 2015 11:41:44 PM
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
Wow, really? I bet if she was talking about a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend you wouldn't think twice about it. You are obviously uncomfortable with the fact that she is gay. I feel bad for the gay community who are in constant situations where just talking about their everyday lives....like straight people do.....is considered offensive.
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
Wow, really? I bet if she was talking about a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend you wouldn't think twice about it. You are obviously uncomfortable with the fact that she is gay. I feel bad for the gay community who are in constant situations where just talking about their everyday lives....like straight people do.....is considered offensive.
Seriously? How did you even come to that conclusion that he is uncomfortable with the fact she is gay?
Wow! Incredible.
I'm tempted to use my Admin privilege to delete your post.
__________________
I am no longer part of the oppressed, evil workforce of Kroger! Can you say "Hallelujah"
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
Wow, really? I bet if she was talking about a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend you wouldn't think twice about it. You are obviously uncomfortable with the fact that she is gay. I feel bad for the gay community who are in constant situations where just talking about their everyday lives....like straight people do.....is considered offensive.
Whether you're straight, gay, or whatever, there are certain personal things one does not talk about in the work environment. You keep your personal life private.
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
Wow, really? I bet if she was talking about a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend you wouldn't think twice about it. You are obviously uncomfortable with the fact that she is gay. I feel bad for the gay community who are in constant situations where just talking about their everyday lives....like straight people do.....is considered offensive.
Seriously? How did you even come to that conclusion that he is uncomfortable with the fact she is gay?
Wow! Incredible.
I'm tempted to use my Admin privilege to delete your post.
I don't think that person was uncomfortable with the girl being gay, but "I do see what they mean. Many people out there are offended anytime a gay person just says "My girlfriend and I went to McDonald's last night" because they think it's pushing "teh gay agenda!!!!!111" or something.
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
Wow, really? I bet if she was talking about a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend you wouldn't think twice about it. You are obviously uncomfortable with the fact that she is gay. I feel bad for the gay community who are in constant situations where just talking about their everyday lives....like straight people do.....is considered offensive.
Seriously? How did you even come to that conclusion that he is uncomfortable with the fact she is gay?
Wow! Incredible.
I'm tempted to use my Admin privilege to delete your post.
I don't think that person was uncomfortable with the girl being gay, but "I do see what they mean. Many people out there are offended anytime a gay person just says "My girlfriend and I went to McDonald's last night" because they think it's pushing "teh gay agenda!!!!!111" or something.
Yeah but then again I agree that some things you should keep away from work. One is your sexual orientation.. Another is your religion. Better for everyone.
I was a manager for 9 years. I had a baker that was gay, we all knew that he was. He was an exceptional baker, no one cared either way. As long as one is doing a great job, who cares. By the way this was in the 80s.
I'm gay and not out generally at work because I've seen what the bigoted pricks at my store say and do to those who they find out about. It's not worth it. One girl got harassed because she'd been seen at a mall kissing her gf. One guy who was out was accused of making passes at underage baggers. Do people know about me, sure. A few, but it's really none of their business but I can't escape the woman talking about their boo, grand babies, baby daddies and so on. The double standard is miserable.
My sister's friend came out and as a result she was harassed constantly at her job. She finally told those who harassed her to take a "flying f*ck at the moon and mind their own fu*cking business." The result? Somehow, "evidence showed up" that she was stealing from her workplace. She's fighting it, and looks like she's gonna win it. Them she's gonna laugh in their faces.
She don't mind if people are against gays, lesbians, transgenders Etc. It's when you bully and harass her when she gets pissed. So far she's been in 4 fights due to her retaliating back agaunts those who harass her.
NORMALLY, if you are in your probation period, they can fire you for anything they want, no matter how stupid.
Even on probationary periods, firings based on discrimination are still illegal.
A few years ago we had a lazy bagger and they threatened to fire her for walking across the road to a convenience store while she was supposed to be on lot duty, and she pretty much said "I'm gay and if you fire me, I'll sue you for discrimination" so they did nothing to her. And a while back a girl who works the fuel center was called upstairs because of missing money and missing cigarette inventory and she said "you're just doing this because I'm black". Needless to say, she still works at the fuel center.
I'm gay and not out generally at work because I've seen what the bigoted pricks at my store say and do to those who they find out about. It's not worth it. One girl got harassed because she'd been seen at a mall kissing her gf. One guy who was out was accused of making passes at underage baggers. Do people know about me, sure. A few, but it's really none of their business but I can't escape the woman talking about their boo, grand babies, baby daddies and so on. The double standard is miserable.
My sister's friend came out and as a result she was harassed constantly at her job. She finally told those who harassed her to take a "flying f*ck at the moon and mind their own fu*cking business." The result? Somehow, "evidence showed up" that she was stealing from her workplace. She's fighting it, and looks like she's gonna win it. Them she's gonna laugh in their faces.
She should have just called the Ethics Point hotline and reported the harassment to them and ask to remain anonymous.
As far as creating a disturbance, I don't if even that can get you fired from Kroger. It would be tough.
We had a girl "come out" at a store I worked at previously, and it was all she talked about. Annoying as hell. I imagine it's a similar scenario as what the OP is describing.
Everything out of this girl's mouth was "blah blah blah... I'm gay, you know.. blah blah blah... my girlfriend... blah blah... I'm gay.... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... My girlfriend... blah blah blah... My girlfriend... blah blah blah.. I'm gay I'm gay I'm gay blah blah blah... I'm gay."
I didn't care she was gay... or whatever... but you just wanted to hit her with a shovel.
Wow, really? I bet if she was talking about a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend you wouldn't think twice about it. You are obviously uncomfortable with the fact that she is gay. I feel bad for the gay community who are in constant situations where just talking about their everyday lives....like straight people do.....is considered offensive.
That's quite a stretch. As I stated before, I didn't care she was gay. It was the fact that she kept feeling the need to point it out for her own validation and attention whoring. As if the fact that she had to point out that she was gay, and had a girlfriend somehow made her more interesting or unique, and she just had to let everyone know about it every other breath she took.
She was just a flaky girl. Don't read too much into it.
