good ol boy = fired

[dakota_522]

im sorry but i gotta vent, i work at a shop and ive worked there for a year or so and they keep on swaping managers well this one guy keeps on comming back to run the shop and hes fired me twice already for reasons he made up, now i come in do my job and more than i have to do, but he doesnt like me or the other guy in the shop because were redneck i guess you would say keep in mind hes from detriot and we are in GA. he picks on us all the time threating to fire us if we dont do this or that we cant play country music he said anything else but country and the other guys that hes buddy,buddy with dont have to do nothing. it just makes me mad i am debating on finding another job, but i just dont think thats right

 

[Old Donn]

Sounds like you're playing tough cards. No, it's not right, but he's the boss. Unless you can convince his boss what a douche this guy is, your options are limited to 1) Eat this guy's turds. Or, 2) Move on. Oh yeah, feel free to keep this guy down there. We've got plenty of his type still hanging around up here.

 

[boomerangg22]

maybe catch him in a alley sometime

 

[justinmc]

he picks on us all the time threating to fire us if we dont do this or that we cant play country music he said anything else but country

Sounds like a hostile work environment. Is this a privately owned shop, chain, dealership, etc?

I'd look for the HR manager and file a complaint... he can't tell you that you can't listen to X music type but "anything else is ok". Pretty sure thats not ok.

Sounds like this guy has a hardon for you and your buddy. Have you guys made any sort of remarks, etc to him? Look we have plenty of "rednecks" in our shops but I've never heard of any clashes between them and management over music, personality, etc. As long as you aren't walking around spewing hate, cussing loudly, doing things to cause problems with customers or other employees then you aren't doing anything wrong probably.

If you have an HR dept you need to go there first.. if you and your friend lodge a complaint and say "look we feel like we're in a hostile work environment, etc" then they should do something about it. As long as any performance reviews/past disciplinary actions don't give this guy a leg to stand on, etc. (i.e. you haven't done things in the past to warrant getting youself in trouble).

 

[mrshaun]

if he physically threatens you feel free to call the police. but take the HR advice.
shaun

 

[tj90]

I would look for another job. Youll never win. I find that looking for another job puts perspective on how important this jerk is... It gives you more control over your future.

In the meantime, I would play his game. Thats satisfying in itself. Dont play country - hell, dont play the radio anymore. Youve got to keep reminding yourself that the ultimate power trip for this guy is to ruin your day. Never let anyone have that control over you. I know that its easy to recommend this, versus living it - but that is why you are looking for something else. He wants you to be miserable - f his program and show him that he doesnt control you outside of 9-5.

I wouldnt even bother with HR - its just playing into his game. Turn the game on him. "Kill em with kindness - 99% of the people dont know how to react to this treatment" Its really funny to see the confusion on his face.

 

[Thumper]

Sounds like that ****** needs a dose of Ga. justice to remind him what section of the country his ******* is standing in.....

 

[mrshaun]

put it on conservative talk radio. that will really grind his bones... no music just talk all day long. not NPR though.

 

[cwstevens92]

File a hostile work environment with HR, and if nothing is done file one at your local labor board

 

[Danglerb]

Find another job, you and the other guy, and leave on the same day.

Buy a cheap small radio, put it on a timer and hide it in the shop.

Keep in mind this guy might be getting hired as a boss because he is a pain.

 

[bigsteve1969]

play the discrimination card

 

[Need4racin]

Are you sure there isn't more to this story, than we are getting? I'm in rural georgia, and have yet to hear someone fired for being redneck.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I think this should be in the Free Parking section.
I don't think Mr. Yankee Boss and I would have much in common, but I can certainly understand his deep hatred for country music. Even so, a no radio policy would make much more sense.

 

[Coach James]

Sorry to hear your boss is a jerk. My last principal was horrible. Our faculty got weekly screaming sessions where we were told we were pathetic, lazy, pigs, an embarassment etc. In the mornings we were required to sign in by having our finger prints scanned. We couldn't use a sign in sheet as she said we were all dishonest and would sign each other in hence the finger print scanner. Out of 120 teachers and staff, 113 left during or at the end of the year. The principal still has her job. We figured she had pictures of the superintendent with a goat or something.

As to the radio, I have a "No rap" policy at my gym. Country I can take, top 40 likewise. Rap, absolutely not.

Coach

 

[mrshaun]

get someone to call in a complaint ( bad customer service on his part ) and see if that has any effect on him. have them say that he was treating the employees terribly.
have a customer you know do it or even a friend

 

[krusty the clown]

Are you sure there isn't more to this story, than we are getting?

there always is.......

 

[dakota_522]

thanks for all the advice and no there isnt more to the story, all my co workers like me, iam the easyist person to get along with, i try to treat ppl with the respect that i think i deserve. i work full time and i go to school full time for auto ,im tryin to make this my carrer. but ill play his game for now and see how much longer i can take it

 

[CarCrafter]

We thought these guys have all fallen out of tree stands in the past, I guess they just move south. You can keep his types down there !!!

 

[Rickster]

Try and find things you guys have in common and strike up a conversation or two with him.
It's not called "kissing his ***" it's called "playing the game".

 

[tatra]

rednecks........conjures up images of hungover, foul mouthed, unbathed, tabbacy spiitn, etc. individuals who drive pieces of **** and at the end of the day spin the tires when leaving the lot, whether their own truck, shop or customer vehicles..........as for country, or top 40, talk, the same **** heard day in and out gets tedious for some..........you are there to work and not be entertained..........we had an accident at work where the one who turned the radio up the loudest calimed he couldn't hear what the others were saying because the radio was too loud.............is it the station or the volume?..........as krusty said, i agree............not tryin to dump on ya but seems a little one sided to me...............your age may have something to do with it too.........our apprentices are constatntly on their cells even tho we have a no cell phone policy on the floor............and cry when their girlfriends can't reach them...............man up and do your job as per the bosses instructions or find another place to work............our two resident rednecks did..........one was smart and went for his millwright ticket,,,,,,,,the othet, well, does security.........probably so he can sit on his ***............

 

[krooser]

Show 'em who's boss and quit....

Regarding the suggestions about seeing "HR", discrimination, hostile work environment, etc... have we really become such a whiney society that we have to go cry to somebody about the boss? Geez... have a man to man talk with the guy. If you can't resolve your differences pack up and leave.

I'd never work a minute for a boss (or company) that didn't appreciate the job I did nor show me any respect... and I've quit a few jobs when things didn't work out.

 

[mrshaun]

well tatra that sounded one sided, or you have one of those guys as a helper.... lol

I see guys on their phones all day long. texting texting texting. more to life than that

just sign up for a subscription to a dirty magazine and have it sent to him at work. it gets him put in the spotlight and upper management starts to watch what he does. might give you a little breathing room...
now if you are on garage journal all day instead of working them we are one sided.

 

[justinmc]

Regarding the suggestions about seeing "HR", discrimination, hostile work environment, etc... have we really become such a whiney society that we have to go cry to somebody about the boss? Geez... have a man to man talk with the guy. If you can't resolve your differences pack up and leave.

The HR suggestions come from people who have worked in the "new work environment" run by corporate monkey's , lawyers and their cronies. Sadly in this day and age the bosses contort and use this stuff to get people fired and left without things like unemployment. You have to know your rights as an employee (beyond walking out) to cover yourself as well.

While I'm a fan of man to man talks, it doesn't always work.. and depending on whats said behind closed doors or out of ear shot of a witness becomes "he said she said" and a boss or anyone in a position of authority generally has the upper hand or is more likely to be believed (unless there is other underlying reasons not to believe that person). Which is why HR is there..they should make suggestions and mediate this stuff to protect both people and create a better work environment overall. Most HR managers, directors, etc have degrees that are tailored to this sort of thing. They aren't there just to tell you what your health benefits are.

Now from where you're from I'm sure that jobs are plentiful and rain from the sky like a downpour in april but around here lately people tend to try to keep their jobs because the next one is hard to come by these days no matter your skillset or experience.

Oh and yes.. I still think there is probably more to this story than that. However I've been in positions where people's personalities and egos just clashed no matter how you tried to switch things up or work through it. Usually thats a good time to part ways.

 

[Hawk321]

I know those assholes...had a lot of them in the past, we call that bossing and mobbing. For my own, I can't work und those circumstances, I make stupid mistakes, forget important things and can't find a way out. Another job is not possible, here in germany we have big problems with it....self made problems.
I feel with you buddy.

 

[bgott]

thanks for all the advice and no there isnt more to the story, all my co workers like me, iam the easyist person to get along with, i try to treat ppl with the respect that i think i deserve. i work full time and i go to school full time for auto ,im tryin to make this my carrer. but ill play his game for now and see how much longer i can take it

You're going to school, that's what is ******* him off. You think you are somebody so you need put in your place. I've had that problem, sign up for a night class and all of the sudden they need you to work overtime every class night. Hmm, you never gave me overtime before, now I need to work it or I'm fired? If you really want to piss him off, buy a new car. Live a little, rent a new car for a day or two and tell him that you bought it. I've got to warn you ahead of time, you'll probably get fired.

 

[tatra]

mr shaun, i work shift work......currently on the 4-12 shift.........as for what others do on the job, don't really care as long as my safety and production isn't affected by how others conduct themselves..........

 

[D4man]

Go get another job. If things are better, you know it was the fault of the old boss. If things are a mess, better look at yourself. That sounds rather crass but that is the best for you.

Either way, be in charge of your own destiny. It is not healthy to always be squabbling with the boss. Sometimes there are personality clashes that don't really have anything to do with anyone's qualifications or work ethic.

Unless you have definite proof of discrimination, it is not a good idea to try any legal challenges. Just my 2 cents.

Best of luck on whatever you decide.

 

[rhandwor]

I would be looking for another job and quit as soon as I found the job.

 

[southpier]

remind me: why did you show up after you were fired the first time?



ps: you're getting paid to work, not listem to music

 

[e-tek]

I would look for another job. Youll never win. I find that looking for another job puts perspective on how important this jerk is... It gives you more control over your future.

In the meantime, I would play his game. Thats satisfying in itself. Dont play country - hell, dont play the radio anymore. Youve got to keep reminding yourself that the ultimate power trip for this guy is to ruin your day. Never let anyone have that control over you. I know that its easy to recommend this, versus living it - but that is why you are looking for something else. He wants you to be miserable - f his program and show him that he doesnt control you outside of 9-5.

I wouldnt even bother with HR - its just playing into his game. Turn the game on him. "Kill em with kindness - 99% of the people dont know how to react to this treatment" Its really funny to see the confusion on his face.

I have to agree with EVERTHING said here.

HR won't do diddly (if you even have HR!). The manager holds the cars, so long as he has the person aboves confidence.

Don't let him riun your day. Another job will likely be a better situation.

 

[dakota_522]

thanks for everyones feedback on the subject, and no its not just about the radio i was just giving a example of the stuff that goes on, at that time the radio wasnt even on he just came out there and said that just to let us know,and the reason i still came back after he fired me was because im tryin to make this my life and you cant pay for experiance,but i plan on having a heart to heart with him to find out why he doesnt like me so much, then if that doesnt work ill go somewhere else, but thanks for all the advice

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

rednecks were union miners in west virginny
going to agitate in a non union county
they lost in battle - wearing red bandannas around their neck
it is an insult to rugged individuals in the south to be compared to hillbilly marxist thugs

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

and I am a union member hahaha

 

[Identaltech]

mess with him.
you see him leave something laying around move it.
give missinformation to your buddy buddy making him look like a fool.
mrshaun's subscription ideal is great. make it playgirl or something like that.
get his e-mail address and sign him up for everything. I mean everything.
watch your back. set them up to fail, all along looking for a new job.
when you find your new job vote with your feet.
Walk out and dont look back!

 

[bgott]

Playgirl? If you are going down that road do it right... give him a subscription to Blueboy.

 

[tractordude]

O.K. so i just found this board, I worked in union (14yrs) and non union jobs(4yrs), the only diff is, you dont have to **** c@$k to get a raize at the union job. In each places, I could not go to work anymore, i.e. hated the boss, the work, co-workers etc. So, I said " what can I do" I live in my shop, tinkering on lawn mowers and etc. I started a small engine repair shop, my old boss said I would be back in 6 months,..........its been 4 yrs now..just my story, and my phone rings on weekends..Its lots of work.

 

[Schrodingers Cat]

you say he fired you twice:
on what grounds?

how did you get rehired?

it sounds like he was over-ridden by higher ups?

I'd talk to HR or the big boss and tell them all you want is to work and be left alone
you were fired twice (apparently for no good reason) and rehired both times...
obviously this guy has it out for you...

 

[tj90]

I plan on having a heart to heart with him to find out why he doesnt like me so much,

Dont bother. If hes partially political, he will either give you a BS answer.

Heart to heart conversations work with peers, he views you as a subordinate. Not that its the same, but its like if you were having a heart-to-heart conversation with a child. Its better to parent than reason with a 2 year old. He thinks he is superior and your the 2 year old and I doubt there is anything you can say to convince him otherwise. If he was a leader versus a boss, hed realize that if you are successful, hed be successful, and that everyone is an adult! Right now any conversation will just be interpreted as an annoyance by annoying employee.

If you want to screw with him, bring in some doughnuts this friday, offer him one before/during giving them to the rest of the crew. Who cares if he chokes on the damn thing, your buddies will like you for it and maybe it will soften him up a bit. At some other point in time ask him for feedback on how to do your job better / how you can improve your performance. If he comes by to critique you fairly or unfairly, try not to be defensive be agreeable and tell him, "good point, Ill give that a try next time". Stroke him while you are on monster.com at night!!! Dont reply defensively. He may have never had a subordinate ask/tell him that before. Youll be able to tell pretty quick if he wants you out of there. If anything, you might discover something that is annoying him and problem resolved.

I know this sounds like ***** advice, but Ive seen conflicts never resolved / no communication and end up in firings. I think it would be better to be more political and play the game on opening up communication than the hammer approach with a discussion that may put em on the defensive... Play chess with this jerk.

 

[Danglerb]

Boss's move from job to job too, don't count on him not turning up even if you go someplace else, I 've seen it happen.

If this guy likes to pull your chain, see how little chain you can leave out for him to mess with. Do your job and ignore him.

 

[babzog]

maybe catch him in a alley sometime

What I was thinking. A little "conversation" may do wonders.