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Judge Rules Boss's "Firing Contest" Created a Hostile Work Environment

Posted by samzenpus on from the take-this-job-and-shove-it dept.

Branded the "boss from hell" by his employees, 57-year-old William Ernst lost a court battle with ex-workers over unemployment benefits. An Iowa judge has decided that Ernst's "firing contest" memo wasn't the best management strategy, saying, "The employer’s actions have clearly created a hostile work environment by suggesting its employees turn on each other for a minimal monetary prize. This was an intolerable and detrimental work environment.” The memo reads in part: "New Contest – Guess The Next Cashier Who Will Be Fired!!! To win our game, write on a piece of paper the name of the next cashier you believe will be fired. Write their name [the person who will be fired], today's date, today's time, and your name. Seal it in an envelope and give it to the manager to put in my envelope."

4 of 314 comments (clear)

  1. me too by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    How can I submit timothy as the next Slashdot editor to be fired? Please please please.

  2. Contest Prizes by schlesinm · · Score: 5, Funny

    "We're adding a little something to this month's sales contest. As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is you're fired. "

    --
    My company home page
    1. Re:Contest Prizes by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      F you, that's my name. You know why mister? Cause you drove a Hyundai to get here tonight, I drove an 80,000 dollar BMW. That's my name. And your name is you're wanting. You can't play in the man's game, you can't close them? Then go home and tell your wife your troubles. Because only one thing counts in this life. Get them to sign on the line which is dotted. You hear me you f-in' fargots.

      ABC. A, Always, B, Be, C, Closing. Always be closing. Always be closing. AIDA. Attention. Interest. Decision. Action. Attention. Do I have your attention? Interest. Are you interested? I know you are 'cause it's f or walk. You close or you hit the bricks. Decision. Have you made your decision for Christ? And action. AIDA. Get out there. You got the prospects coming in, you think they came in to get out of the rain? A guy don't walk on the lot lest he wants to buy. They're sitting out there waiting to give you their money. Are you going to take it? Are you man enough to take it?

      What's the problem, pal?

  3. value is now OBJECTIVELY DEFINED by the market by spazdor · · Score: 4, Funny

    the free market is infallible; whatever ends up happening is BY DEFINITION THE FAIREST OUTCOME POSSIBLE
    And you can take my word for it, 'cuz I'm above the poverty line!

    --
    DRM: Terminator crops for your mind!