Kicked out of work for wearing kilt

[auld argonian]

From what you say, the fella must have thought that he was going to "do a little speech" there and demonstrate his "brilliant managerial skills". If he felt that it was unprofessional, that was all he needed to say. To go on about "Irish Day" and "transy" (it's "tranny", by the way) and make a scene...that's unprofessional. Obviously under the mistaken impression that he's Al Pacino and this is the end of Scent of a Woman or And Justice For All...time to make the grandstanding speech.

I'm sure that you'll take it up with the uber-boss and sort it out...things can usually be settled amicably when cooler heads prevail. Things like this seem to be settled best when both sides accept some of the blame (even if you really aren't responsible) and apologize to each other, agree on a future course of action and shake hands. Sounds like this fella needs an "out" from his untenable position so the suggestion that you apologize for not having given him advance notice coupled with your uber-boss telling him that he had given you permission might set the thing up so that he has some room to be conciliatory.

Good luck with this...sorry that you had to deal with such a small mind. Maybe it's because I live in a large city that's reasonably cosmopolitan that I never cease to be amazed (and dismayed) when I hear about things like this.

Best

AA

[BatlRatl]

Hmmm...looks like he failed to learn anything about leadership in the Army. How did a moron like that last 20 years in an honorable profession? Of course, if he was really any good at what he did in the Army he might have a better job than supervising minimum wagers at a bookstore in his retirement. He shouldn't take his inadequacy out on you.

You really need to report his abusive behavior. If I berated one of my employees like that the manager and the owner would have my head and I'm even the guy who has handled the firings recently (the thing I hate most about my job!!).

20 Yr. Army major, huh? Seems like someone wasn't making it to Lt. Col. anytime soon. Most officers, especially above the rank of captain, usually end up in a middle management position in a large corporation, not a bookstore supervisor. That job is usually for college kids.
He must have really bad interpersonal as well as managerial skills. That was his time to be a big shot. I would address it with his supe. After all, this job is not your bread and butter. If you lose it, so what?
You have my sympathy about this matter, but do not lie down on this.

[flyingshamrock]

That's definitely discrimination ! Screw that I'd be putting up a fight !!!!

[Schiehallion]

Having read through all the comments I am amazed at how behind employment law looks to me as an outsider from the other side of the 'pond'
I maybe wrong about this ... but it has made me appreciate the law we have in protecting our individual rights and against the bullying of those who are put in positions of supervisory or line management.
I would fight my ground, but then I would have had the FULL support of my union and professional body in such a case. My HR would also be fighting my case and would be issuing a verbal or written warning to that supervisor.

[KD Burke]

Bookstore, minimum wage, he is a 20 year Army Major

A typical military officer's career path would have someone make Major somewhere around the 10 year mark. If this fellow was a Major after 20, he likely had a setback somewhere.

[Bugbear]

I'm missing something here. Did this guy know that his boss said you could wear the kilt, or am I misunderstanding the chain of command?



Perhaps you should go to his boss and appologize for attempting to wear the kilt.

[Scotcop]

yes, he knows that he is under the boss who said I could wear it, yet he still acted that way......

[Beertigger]

Given that you have a minimum wage job, I'd be checking out the local discrimination statutes. Not much of a reason to roll over if you've not much to lose. An employer in my city couldn't possibly act like that.

Question is, do you want to own a bookstore?

[Bugbear]

I suppose it is an issue between the boss and the super in that case. Might not want to get too directly entangled...

[skauwt]

guy sounds like a right effing numpty id have kicked his **** for those comments