How to deal with an unethical manager?

Question

I work in a funeral home. The manager is not easily approachable. So, discussing this with him is not an option. Here's the problem: He lets an apprentice who he's buddies with conduct funerals without a license. The apprentice was finally caught by the state and temp had his license suspended. The manager expects every employee to keep their mouth shut and cover up for both of them. We were told that any gossiping or talk about it would mean we could be fired. So, nobody is talking. These two stick together like glue and some good long term employees are talking of quitting rather than being a part of further illegal activity that involves the same appentice and cover up by the manager. The apprentice gets away with everything and even gets a company car to drive!! None of us who are actually licensed get any special treatment. Any advice on how to put our manager in his place and what to do with this apprentice? Serious answers PLEASE!

Answer 1

He is the "boss" right or wrong. You have no control over the situation and as he has already been in trouble with the authorities, reporting him again will have no more influence than the previous incident. Start looking for another job. Seriously. This is the only answer.

Answer 2

Is this manager the owner of the funeral home or just a manager hired by the owners? If he is only the hired help, go over his head and contact the owners. If this continues and you were aware of it, you will eventually get in trouble and get fired. Either way, there is a risk of losing your job. You just need to decide what's more important to you at this point in your life, (depending upon your personal life, financial etc.). I recommend you document every threat and instruction this person has made to you and the rest of the employees.
If he is the owner or the owners don't care to address this issue, contact the Better Business Bureau, as well as your state's Consumer Affairs/Business Affairs (not really sure which government department). Also, if you are uncomfortable and not sure, you can always speak with an attorney, (legal aid). Good Luck and let us know what happens.

Answer 3

There must be a state licensing board that monitors
funeral homes. Create a letter and have everyone
sign it. Included documentation of every infraction.
Time, date, and who was involved. The manager can't get away with firing everyone so everyone must stand together in this. In the letter I would state the threats
made by the manager to keep everyone quiet. Good luck.

Answer 4

seriously, why do you even want to work for someone like that? if it bothers you that much, i'd say quit your job and look for a company w/ a better work ethic.

i mean, if you approach your boss about it, he'll fire you, no doubt. if you report him, even anonymously, word will get to him, eventually. and again, you risk losing your job.

so your only 2 options here are: stay where you are and pretend you know nothing; but since working there bugs you, then you're only other choice is to quit. good luck.

Answer 5

start job hunting immediately and tell your co worker you are so they do too....if you all leave then the business should crash- is the manager the owner of the business? if not i would write a letter or make a call to the owner and make sure everybody is on board so you can get him canned.

Answer 6

Send an anonymous letter to the state saying what the man is upto. Or use it to your avantage and say, if you don't get ......(name something you want here) your going to tell. Should he turn around and sack you, make him aware that you now have no obligations to tell on him.

You have a weapon, use it while the trigger is hot. (Use it while you have the chance).

Answer 7

You could report the violations again (anonymously), but your best bet is to get a job with another company where your ethics will not be compromised.