Where my friend(manager) and I(employee) work there is a policy in place that says managers cannot fraternize with employees. The policy says they can't date, room together, etc. Now the policy actually says etc. I was friends with this person before they became a manager now I am wondering if he can legally be fired for just being friends with me. He doesn't show me favoritism and our friendship does not interfere with our work.
I was just wondering if there is legal precedent for something like this?
2007-10-12 19:04:26 · 12 answers · asked by Terrell Owens 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
But what does etc. mean? Being a roomate and dating seem alot different then being friends. Don't you think that they would put something about being friends in the policy since that is probably alot more common then rooming together or dating.
2007-10-12 19:12:17 · update #1
I just want to make it clear that we are both guys and are just friends. It's just that people that we work with seem to think the policy means managers can't be friends with employees and hang out with them.
2007-10-12 19:18:28 · update #2
Did you disclose the friendship prior to being hired? was he a manager prior to you being hired? If these are the cases you might have a good case against them if either of you are fired and this is the reason they fire you.
If you did not disclose the friendship prior to being hired and he was a manager then you are done in if they want to fire one of you.
Most applications for companies who have this policy ask you right on the applications if you know or are realted to anyone working for them currently.
They are giving themself's an out if there are any complant of favortism lodged. If there are not they will probably over look it for a just friends situation but dating or rooming they will be less forgiving
2007-10-12 19:12:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're talking legality? There is no law preventing such policies. So it IS legal.
In a civil lawsuit, can a company dictate or enforce such a policy? Absolutely. In fact, in face of all the current sexual harrassment and discrimination lawsuits, it's a valid defense on the company's part.
It's not a matter of favoritism. It's the PERCEIVED conflict of itnerest. And that has been one of the biggest headaches for people accepting promotions which makes them managers of those they used to be close friends with.
There's a reason for the expression, "It's lonely at the top."
2007-10-13 02:12:51 · answer #2 · answered by Marc X 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have heard of places who speak to a person when they become manager and tell them they can't associate with any regular employees outside of the workplace. It is wrong, but I think it is legal if it is in the employee handbook and if you all signed agreeing to the rules in the handbook upon hire date. You would have to ask specifically what the 'etc.' means within the book.
2007-10-13 03:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by AveGirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most state laws allow "empoyee at will" policies where a company can fire en employee for any reason that does not constitute discrimination based on race, gender, age or sexual preference.
Where the company's policy you speak of does not seem to fall under one of discrimination, it can likely "legally fire" you if you violate it.
2007-10-13 02:13:14 · answer #4 · answered by Seamus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends upon the state you live in. Go to your states legal website. It may take some searching but I'm sure that you'll find your states employment termination laws. Personaly I think your pretty much safe. As long as he never treats you special and you keep your friendship for after work (well within reason). Good luck!!!
2007-10-13 02:15:20 · answer #5 · answered by ARMY WIFE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is something you agreed to when you signed on to work with the company, it is part of their policy. You are binded to that contract no matter how "unfair" the policy is.
2007-10-13 02:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by scalizithaproblem 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that just means he can't have a relationship with you, thats just to cover the companies back. he can still be your friend, legally they can't stop that.
if you do wan't a relationship just remember not to tell anyone about it and make sure it doesn't spill into work, thats only if your thinking about it
2007-10-13 02:13:41 · answer #7 · answered by vic6981 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
company policy varies from company to company. in most cases, they can indeed do that. the person fired may be able to get unemployment compensation
2007-10-13 02:07:48 · answer #8 · answered by disgruntleddog 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES, THEY CAN FIRE HIM AND YOU. there is no law that says you have to be employed at this business. they can fire you for almost any reason they want. and no reason is even better, because that is harder for someone to fight.
2007-10-13 02:22:19 · answer #9 · answered by ron s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it is policy then yes if you wont to keep your jobs then do what you are told.
2007-10-13 02:11:42 · answer #10 · answered by Kirk Neel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋