Message #3969

[andrea843]

Dear Sappho,



First a welcome to the Admin Authority.  I read your post a couple of days ago and wanted to take some time to chew on it a bit before I answered.  You see there are multiple issues here and the crusader in me thinks you should teach this guy a lesson he'll not soon forget.



It was not illegal for the employer to tell you he was a "good Christian" during the interview.  A moronic attempt to bait you into revealing YOUR religious preferences yes,  yes, but not illegal.  Illegality occurs when he asks YOU,, by the way are YOU a good Christian. But I digress,  from the sound of it this guy is a class A, member of the good old boys club, complete with VIP membership to the Jerk Lounge.



First let's address the issues with your agency.  Yes, some agencies ARE out for the placement, in fact they all are in one form or another.  That's why they exist, to create placements, generate income, however some agencies go about it the wrong way, and refuse to advocate for their employees.  If you're not getting the response you think you should from the person handling your position within the agency, make an appointment with the franchise owner.



State your reservations about this position, ask for feedback on your performance (and get specifics, to make sure they arent telling you what they think you want to hear). AND bring up the issues of discrinimation just as you've outlined them here.  In the mean time shop your resume with other agencies, quietly. Cause like any other position the squeaky wheel often gets greased..right out the door that is. Leverage your battle position with a new temp agency more willing to advocate for you AND make money at the same time.  When will they learn that they make MORE money when they treat temps like people and not chattel?  :growl!:



Now the ugly jerk employer.  Wanna do this the Andrea FUN Way?! consider this.  Take the job when it's offered. WAIT until you're clearly past any probation period and are a regular employee. Then lie in wait for bossie. Make sure you get LOTS of documentation about your excellent job performance, get a copy of your 90 day review.  Suck up like mad. bite your tongue until it bleeds to get you past the 90 days.



Now once you're a regular employee, First chance you get, say something like,,, "Well you know I agree about the Hendricks project, as a Gay, Jewish Person,,,yadda yadda yadda.  Smile at bossie when he turns different colors.  And when he fires you? Sue his proverbial arse off.



There are laws to protect you from being discriminated against. There are laws that make it illegal for bossie to terminate you based on issues of your sexual identity OR your religion. Frankly it shouldnt matter if you're pink with purple polka dots and sleep with a cow named Murray, none of it has an impact on how you do your job.  and you my new friend, should not live in fear of a boob like this one. If you give him the power to influence how you present yourself, your performance and your lifestyle, what do you have left? He wins.  He has all the power and you are left feeling used and mal treated.  Jerks like this dont need power, they CRAVE it but in reality dont have any which is why try to foster the illusion with others that power exists, taking over your space for instance,,it's a way to say, "Im in charge here.  Not you." you will never work WITH this guy, you will always work FOR him.  Run girl,, Run like the wolf!



If you prefer not to use the patented Andrea Torture your  Employer Method (Coming soon to a store near you!), consider this approach.



Shop the resume, make sure you've got something lined up for income, Tell the existing Agency that you will not work in a discriminatory workplace and offer them the opportunity to address the issue.  IF they choose not to address it, then walk.  You're a temp, that's the beauty of being a temp and in 49 of the fifty states you're an at will employee and being "at will" works both ways.  Either party has the right to terminate the employment for any reason.  Invoke the "At will" employment clause formally and in writing, but make sure you copy the agencies home office and include some information about upholding discrimination in the workplace by inaction and inattention to employee complaints,making very sure to name the individual who handled your placement, and the individual with whom you made an appointment regarding agency policy.



But personally,,,, :laughs wickedly: I prefer the Teach them a lesson scenario,, it's just so darn satifying to make a point sometimes...and besides, if you don't make an attempt to stop this behavior how many others will be subjected to it? Remember Norma Rae the movie? if you havent seen it, rent it.  Get to that scene where Norma Rae is walking thru that factory with her fist in the air, in victory and battle and know that we all have a little of Norma Rae in us, the ability to stand up for what is right and good and just, some of us have to be pushed harder than others but it's there just waiting for the right battle, the right time, the right line to be crossed.  Ask yourself.....



is this MY line?



Let us know what you decide to do and once again, a warm Welcome to TAA!



Andrea