Former Lowe's employee says she was fired over Christmas pin - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

123c · #1 12-25-2008, 11:31 AM

http://www.wate.com/global/story.asp?s=9577785

Quote:

Former Lowe's employee says she was fired over Christmas pin
Posted: Dec 24, 2008 02:19 PM
By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Anchor/Reporter

NEWPORT (WATE) -- A Cocke County woman says she was fired just days before Christmas because of the way she was spreading Christmas cheer.

Kristie Sutton, a former Lowe's Home Improvement store employee, says it was all because of a pin she wore to work.

"It's called Christmas, for Christ's sake," the pin says.

When Sutton admired the pin being worn by a customer, the stranger gave it to her. Neither knew its message would mean trouble for the cashier.

"I wore it for a couple of weeks before one of the employees came and said to me, 'I need to ask you to take your pin off,'" Sutton explained.

Sutton says she didn't remove it immediately. Instead, she pleaded her case to the human resources manager.

"I asked him why they could sell Christmas products, sell nativity scenes," she said, "but I couldn't wear a Christian pin?"

Sutton says she was told because of store policy, no one would be allowed to wear a pin supporting a religion.

When Sutton returned from lunch that day, she says, she was fired. "The operations manager called me in his office and said, 'We don't need you to stay. You don't have to work out a notice, we just need you to go."

Sutton admits she was already looking for another job and had planned to put in a two weeks' notice after Christmas. But she says she's upset about missing her holiday pay.

She's also saddened by the message her firing gives. "What's so offensive about God? What's so offensive about the word Jesus? What makes us so afraid to let people say that?"

Though Lowe's won't explain why Sutton was fired, several employees told 6 News they believe she was fired because of the pin. They expressed support support of her, but they didn't want to go on camera for fear of losing their jobs.

In response, Lowe's public relations executive Karen Cobb released a statement to 6 News, saying:

"Personnel matters are confidential, so we're unable to share any information; however, Lowe's follows all federal, state and local laws governing employment including laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of religion."

Lowe's also says its employees may wish customers Merry Christmas if they like.

She should have known better, and she got what she deserved.

Kuan · #2 12-25-2008, 11:42 AM

Policy is policy. She agreed to it when she started working at Lowe's right?

123c · #3 12-25-2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Policy is policy. She agreed to it when she started working at Lowe's right?

That is correct, just like this story I have heard of a Grandma who liked to give hugs to everyone in the store, but she got let go because she broke policy when someone complained about it.

Carleton Hughes · #4 12-25-2008, 12:02 PM

That's what happens in this topsy-turvy morass if you work for some silly corporation whose policy is set by lawyers.

Mister Byrnzoil · #5 12-25-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

That's what happens in this topsy-turvy morass if you work for some silly corporation whose policy is set by lawyers.

I totally agree.

I'm a satanist, I used to work at Lowes, I wore to wear a pin that said 'Happy devil day, Hell yeah!' and I got fired?!?

also, a friend of mine is a radical hamas fighter, he was also working at
Lowes, and was wearing a pin that said 'Have a peaceful Ramadan, Death to the infidels' and he got fired too.

Whats this topsy-turvy world coming to??? Damn lawyers!

Carleton Hughes · #6 12-25-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Byrnzoil

I totally agree.

I'm a satanist, I used to work at Lowes, I wore to wear a pin that said 'Happy devil day, Hell yeah!' and I got fired?!?

also, a friend of mine is a radical hamas fighter, he was also working at
Lowes, and was wearing a pin that said 'Have a peaceful Ramadan, Death to the infidels' and he got fired too.

Whats this topsy-turvy world coming to??? Damn lawyers!

Friend of Anton LaVey and ol' Aleister,Eh!

OldPokey · #7 12-25-2008, 07:32 PM

What would happen if a pagan went in with a "Happy Solstice" pin? That's on Dec. 21 - close enough...

123c · #8 12-25-2008, 07:47 PM

The thing is, that employee's aren't supposed to wear pins that are not non-Lowe's or the vendors. On my vest, I have a few vendor pins, but that is because I went through the vendor training. There is an older lady at work, who was collecting pins from customers, she had to take off all the non-Lowe's pins, because it violated policies.

Hatterasguy · #9 12-25-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

That's what happens in this topsy-turvy morass if you work for some silly corporation whose policy is set by lawyers.

I was going to say that, but you did better!

I guess they didn't like her flair!

The Clk Man · #10 12-25-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I was going to say that, but you did better!

I guess they didn't like her flair!

Yummy, I want me some jennifer Aniston.

aklim · #11 12-25-2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

That's what happens in this topsy-turvy morass if you work for some silly corporation whose policy is set by lawyers.

It matters little who sets what policy. Management tells you to take off the pin, you take it off. If you cannot or will not, find another job.

Carleton Hughes · #12 12-25-2008, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

It matters little who sets what policy. Management tells you to take off the pin, you take it off. If you cannot or will not, find another job.

God bless you.
You are a controversialist who will endlessly supply answers for social ills,I recommend reading Thorstein Veblen.

aklim · #13 12-25-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes

God bless you.
You are a controversialist who will endlessly supply answers for social ills,I recommend reading Thorstein Veblen.

I was told I had to wear a tie. Didn't matter that I was in the dungeon. Didn't matter that nobody would see me besides the janitors. Didn't matter that it was sometimes 9pm. Terms of the job were such and I accepted it as such. Yes, the necktie felt like a noose around my neck. I never felt I had to argue against it's futility. IF I didn't like the terms of the job, I was free to walk. Why should it be any different for a Lowes employee or anyone for that matter?

Mistress · #14 12-26-2008, 10:26 AM

It's all in the context of which something is said or expressed.

Carleton Hughes · #15 12-26-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress

It's all in the context of which something is said or expressed.

You know what it is?My severely limited experience has taught me that it is best to follow one's own inclinations in regards to employment,or rather the act of accumulating cash,which always was,always will be king in this profit-driven sewer we live in.

I can't begin to describe the subterfuges,lies and outright effrontery I employed when buying the contents of houses,antiques,ETC.
My conscience conveniently ascribed it to business and survival,but there was always the nagging feeling that I had betrayed people,same thing when necessity dictated evicting deadbeat tenants,although that affected my immediate survival.
My wife always says I'm a hopeless romantic,a softy.I always say "why the hell did you marry me then?want me to slap you around?".