Is it discrimination? Tattoo policy change. Very serious PLEASE help if you can.?

Question

I was hired into a top worldwide hotel chain over 3 years ago and made the agreement to remove my earrings and shave. I agreed to that and was told that my tattoos were not a problem. I have 2 tattoos on my forearm and my last name around my wrist. A year into my employment the General Manager changed and for the last 2 years there hasn't been an issue. I was informed today that all "offensive tattoos" must be covered by long sleeves. I am the only one affected by this policy change. There are others with plenty more tattoos than me but they are not in the public eye and do not have to follow the policy. There is another person who is in the public eye in my department with tattoos on his forearm and he does not have to cover his. I have been singled out for this change and do not believe my tattoos are offensive at all. The men I have worked with for the last 3 years had to ask to see them today. What should I do? Is there anyone I can contact to ask or somewhere to get information?

Also an "Only males must remover their earrings and tuck their hair in their shirt" policy was put into effect. Should I put my earrings back in? By the way I have no parents, Mom Died along time ago and Father is in prison. Ive been on my own since I was a teenager. Im one of the best employees they have and was one of the first to get the employee of the month when they started that program.

The other employee is a close friend of mine with chinese letters down the top of his forearm. I have a skull on the inside of my arm and a tribal eyeball on the top. He has not quit or anything like that. His are just not "offensive" I was pretty sure the term offensive was deemed unenforceable because what is offensive to you is not to others. If this is the case, can I push them to stop talking about Christmas? They put it letters and memos and speak publicly on it. I am an atheist and stand quietly by because I believe they have the right to speak if they want but it does offend me. I dont believe in it and do not need to hear about it all day in my workplace.

Ohio Law only mandates hand and face tattoos as a basis for turning you down for employment. And I work in 90 Degree weather outside 80% of my time. Its winter now so its no big deal, I have a coat on anyway but come summer do they want me to get heat stroke?

Working at a hotel is, You wave a flag for the name. Thats all they care about so long as you make money. You have a property owner, only cares if you make money. Then you have a management company who gets 10% of anything they make and these are who is pushing the policy. I have never once had a guest complain of my tattoos or anyone with tattoos.

Answer 1

If they are offensive like a swear word, the finger, a naked lady, etc. then it is not discrimination but if the rule is being pointed out to you but you do not fall under the offensive category (your last name certainly isn't offensive) then it is. Ask the management and contact the board for better business about the regulation change and situation. Look it over carefully before you make a fuss publicly. Do your company policy homework and ask the other person with visible tattoos to compare offensiveness. There may be a reason you are being "singled out" by the new standards. Hope you get it figured out!

-I wouldn't call yours offensive because they aren't racists, sexist or inappropriate to the general public. I know they make wraps that breath and can cover tattoos, the people working at costco have to cover tattoos and the guys walk around with blue like sports wrap sleeves all the time. It's worth looking into since wearing a long sleeve shirt isn't a likely choice.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, we live in a society that judges by the exterior. Tattoos, piercings, haircuts, choice of wardrobe are ways of rebelion so you see everywhere people fighting against that judegment. Still a guy with tattos up the whazooo can be an actor, singer, comedian, etc and make millions, and still us the working people have to take other people's sh$t.

Its not discrimation because you are working in a hotel enviroment which is all about looks. you accepted to follow the policies and rules of the company when you signed the contract. So; you can: write a letter to whoever writes the policies and explain to them how this is going to affect your work performance (heat stroke). Talk to your immediate supervisor about this, if nothing happens keep going higher until something moves. If it doesnt, whether you stay or quit at least you did something about it.

Answer 3

The word 'offensive' makes it difficult to enforce.

You might ask the supervisor to evaluate the definition, and change it to read 'all tattoos' for 'all employees facing the public'.

It is unlikely that they will allow you to display your tattoos, but the policy could be enforced so that both/ all employees must cover tattoos.

Whatever you do, remember that refusing to follow a policy that is in writing can cause you to be terminated. Decide whether your choice to display tattoos is worth your job. It is not a *right*, it is a *choice*.

You have a right to GET a tattoo, not to display it. If your choice of appearance (hair color, facial hair, jewelry, tattoos, etc.) are 'a distraction', or 'make employees or guests feel uncomfortable', it is considered a fireable offense.

Answer 4

Well.. here's the problem. You state you are the ONLY one affected by the policy change. Well.. unless you know every person at every location through out the world, you really can't make that assertion. As for the 'other person' there, I would imagine that his circumstances may be different and/or he may have other options and/or might be 'pushing the rules' to see if he get's fired or may have already quit and just waiting out the 2 week notice time period. One can never apply their employement situation with another employee unless you know EVERYTHING about the other's situation and employment contract agreement.

Now... here's something else to consider. Employment is a 'free will' thing. That is to say, it is the employer's option to hire and fire as they see fit. If they want to fire you, they can do it anytime they want. That being said, you need to consider if you really want to work there or not. If not, the just continue doing what you are doing ... but.. start looking for another job. If you do want to continue to work there, then you must comply and you CANNOT concern yourself with what is happening with the other employees.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Im not too sure about the states, but in Canada, this is most definitely discrimination. If you were hired as is, they cannot impose new rules on you, and only you. They must be across the board rules that apply to EVERY employee. And the men only having to remove thier earrings is discrimination as well. If the women are alllowed earrings, the men must be as well. You should contact your local human resource centre, they will have up to date literature on such policies. And in most work places, offensive is considered racist, sexist, vulgar or violent. You are being discriminated against, and it is not right.

Answer 6

ask your manager why the other guy doesn't have to cover them up. Look back at your employment contract....does it state anything about tattoo? What so bad about covering them up anyway?? I had a tongue piercing at school and they told me if i didn't take it out that I'd be expelled.... they are just rules, you'll have to stick to them. They just want you to look presentable to give a good impression to the customers. For example its like going into a strip club and one girl is fully dressed...people didn't pay for that, its the same as you working a posh hotel people didn't pay to see a guy with tattoos- they paid to see presentable staff. I know most customers probably won't even be bothered by the tattoos but its just principle.

Answer 7

It's society that's causing them to follow this rule of people with tattoos are bad. I don't blame you for being mad but do these tattoos and piercings make you look intimidating. I would follow the rules if you need the job but you could try and find another one.

I used to work with a manager who's arms and back are covered in tattoos, drives a BMW and looks very conservative. I ran in to him outside of work and found out about his tattoos. He's a project manager for an oil company. He has to conceal them because society thinks "bad people get them"

Answer 8

Well i feel that its discrimination, you can look on-line for your local "labor and relations" contact personnel. If u have to cover your tattoos so should everyone else. and if earrings and long hair are allowed for women they should be allowed for males as well. at most they should only ask u to tie it back if its past the shoulder. As long as Ur tats don't depict any violent, lewd or sexually explicit themes then they should not be considered offensive in anyway. If its a question of professionalism then it should apply to ALL employees who are in view of the public at any time. As far as the Christmas issue i would remain quiet on that, u yourself are looking for a certain amount of tolerance so to speak, so i would remain open minded and set a good example. Whats considered acceptable for one should be acceptable for all. That's only fair and reasonable so if they are going to enforce it upon only one person then i feel that is considered discrimination and should be dealt with. So i would attempt to reconcile the issue w your employers and if that fails i would contact "labor and relations" as well as the "better business bureau" and file complaints against the company in question. Your company should also have a human resources department available at a CORPORATE LEVEL (the ones at your specific location may be bias) that u can contact to handle issues as well. Best of luck...

Answer 9

If they put that in place for all employees, then ALL employees have to follow it. They cannot pick and choose which ones have to cover them. A company policy is a company policy. Look up labor laws in your state. Just google "labor laws in TN" for example. You can always go to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission), but don't do that if you don't want to start a big stink because they WILL investigate if you file a complaint. Or, call your state labor board. Either way, you better be ready for a big "stink". :)

Answer 10

it is not illegal to discriminate based on tattoos. you are also not entitled to fairness. basically your option is to get another job and i suggest it. conditions change all the time, policies change and employees have to adjust. if you have a labor union you could try that route - file a grievance. but honestly even though you are being discriminated against you have no legal recourse because it's not something employers and not allowed to discriminate on the basis of.