I work for a company which does scanning of paper for the govt. We have this stupid rule that I can not have a drink at my desk. I never see any original paper because I work with the electronic data. But since my office is on the side of the building with the paper, we can not have drinks at our desk. I am a manager and exempt, others are hourly and non exempt. I've been told that since I sit near workstations I can't have a drink at my desk. The closest workstation is 10 feet away in another room. I feel I am being descriminated against. Another manager who has diabetes has to leave her desk on an hourly basis with a snack and to get a cup of water, because she can not drink at her desk or eat. The other side of the building can do what ever they want. I've already spoken to HR about this and they said go blow!
2006-10-31 02:12:03 · 11 answers · asked by leesburgbiker 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, it's not discrimination because it's applied to an entire area and the rule is for a legitimate reason. What if you were taking a drink to your desk and walked by the area with paper? What if you spilled your drink? That's probably the reason that you and others cannot have drinks even though you're only dealing with electronics.
The manager with diabetes may be able to get an exemption if she had proper doctor's documentation. Or, the company may say that it's no hardship for her to get up and snack (and no one is stopping her) and that it may be potentially more dangerous for documents if something were spilled on them.
2006-10-31 02:23:11 · answer #1 · answered by vrc84 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know what their thinking on this is. The rules should apply to all employees, not just some. I'm guessing that since you sit near the workers that are not allowed food and drinks at their desks, if they allowed you to have that privilege, the other workers would feel discriminated against, however, that's a pretty lame excuse, since they really don't discriminate against discrimination:) They should make exceptions for the supervisors or managers, if they are making exceptions for half the building, especially the manager with diabetes. And you say you've complained to the Human Resources and they blew you off? That doesn't sound right to me either. If they couldn't come up with a reason, your only other recourse might be to complain to the Department of Labor in your area.
However, you might consider what's really important to you, the privilege of eating or drinking at your desk, or your job itself, because you could jeopardize your position. If it were me, I'd be just rebellious enough to quit the lousy job and go elsewhere. But please don't take that as advice. That's just my crazy reaction when people dump on me. But if this job is important to you, and you have a lot of seniority and benefits, you may just have to endure the situation, or get up and take your breaks in another part of the building. At least it will get you away from your desk, and if anyone complains about that, maybe your administration will relax their biased rules. But don't count on it. Good luck!
2006-10-31 02:35:24 · answer #2 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The company if dealing with original federal documents must assure those documents are not ruined by some one spilling or getting the paper work dirty from food left of employees fingers they are completely in their right, either get another job or deal with it
2006-10-31 02:34:46 · answer #3 · answered by goz1111 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could you suggest to HR to change to allowing bottled waters and sodas? The rule would be it always has to be completely capped before setting on your desk? That way if it gets knocked over, no harm done!
2006-10-31 02:22:26 · answer #4 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
discrimination is very narrowly defined. Basically it revolves around a personal physical trait (color or sex) or a belief (religion) or where you come from (origin) or who you like to sleep with (sex). Unless you are being treated differently than other workers based upon these these very narrow personal traits, you are probably not being discriminated against.
Employers can do what they want as long as they don't discriminate based upon the above traits.
2006-10-31 02:22:06 · answer #5 · answered by El Rushbo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it could be an American with Disabilities Act situation, if you have a disability or disease that requires you to have fluids or food on hand. I don't think it is discrimination. It is understandable since the wrok is very important.
2006-10-31 02:15:12 · answer #6 · answered by samanny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My bro ate poultry breasts like there replaced into no the following day previously he have been given massive. various protein, minimum fat. Peanut butter and milk is an incredible blend. in case you like shakes, there is often whey protein shake mixes. various concepts there, too. Takes some attempting to hit upon one that tastes nicely adequate to maintain utilising.
2016-10-21 01:15:02 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Companies may create rules at their own discretion. You can adapt to the rules or go find another job.
2006-10-31 02:20:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its only discrimination if they do this on the basis of gender, race, religion or disability.
2006-10-31 02:15:03 · answer #9 · answered by Muskratbyte 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they are right especially around computerized equipment, its not discrimination maybe favoritiizm, if it bothers you so much, quit
2006-10-31 02:15:39 · answer #10 · answered by paki 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋