Can he get fired for calling a customer and hanging up on him?

Question

A customer has been calling me at work, and if the person they are looking for is not available, he hangs up on me. Did this 3 times already. My boyfriend, who is also a co-worker, called him back from work and hung up on him.

Now, where I work, people seem to get away with everything. But, for some reason, I am thinking my boyfriend is going to get fired for this stunt. The customer called back and asked why I did that, but it honestly wasn't me. I told him maybe someone else tried to reach him, but he didn't want to deal with it. Said he'd deal with it later. So I am afraid he's going to bring this all up with the boss and get my boyfriend fired.

Do you think these are means for being fired? Or maybe just a written warning???

We've both never been written up before, and this customer is not one we deal with on a regular basis. He only wants work done that is FREE!!

My boyfriend just happened to be around when he's been calling, so that's how he knows. He took it upon himself to make the call. UGH

Answer 1

I dont know how things are handled at your place, but in my place, we do have a policy for such "Free-Loaders" and though the way your BF handled is not the advised manner, it is not the one that can get him fired. Atleast not where Im the boss :)

However from a technical point of view, your BF might get reprimanded for his conduct, which in a logical sense is Perfect, but from a professional point of view is inappropriate. On the otherhand, he might just get away with it. All that depends is how you project the status to your boss.

Being a Boss I can tell you this, If your boss knows this problem much before the customer himself calls, he will probably defend you. But ALL bosses get pissed off when they get to know something from somebody else rather than from their subordinates.

If your boss is reasonable he will see the reason behind this and just let your BF go with the proverbial 'slap-on-the-wrist'.

.:Fishie:.

Answer 2

In most places, an employee is what's called an employee at will, which means they can get fired for almost anything - and yes, he could get fired for that. Probably wouldn't, but could, especially if the customer is a major customer and really raises a fuss about it.

Answer 3

I would say if your boyfriend had no previous write-ups or counseling previously then I wouldn't worry to much about the firing issue. I don't know your direct supervisor so I don't how they will react.
On another issue the customer that is constantly rude I would suggest bringing it up to your supervisor. You are there to help the customer not to be treated rudely.

Answer 4

What your boyfriend did was HARRASS a customer. Your boyfriend could very well be fired and so can you for that matter. Sounds like you are not very professional to involve your boyfriend and your boyfriend is not professional for harrassing a customer. You can both be LEGALLY fired.