Kicked out of work for wearing kilt

[cavscout]

I had showed the store manager a color photograph of m ensembles, she had picked out the one I wore, I had a white shirt combo in the portfolio.
Yes, the is a Christian bookstore, and its part of a chain.

I think you deserve a bit of justice here. That doesn't mean it has to be thrust into the legal realm or anyone needs to lose their job or that it has to be the OK Coral, but it absolutely needs to be addressed. I would bet dollars to donuts that the store manager would be horrified by what this guy said to you. I know if it were my company, and a Christian company at that, I would expect my employees to live up to my expectations of behavior, professionalism and courtesy. Just handle it calmly but matter-of-factly, that the behavior will not be accepted.

[auld argonian]

I think you deserve a bit of justice here. That doesn't mean it has to be thrust into the legal realm or anyone needs to lose their job or that it has to be the OK Coral, but it absolutely needs to be addressed. I would bet dollars to donuts that the store manager would be horrified by what this guy said to you. I know if it were my company, and a Christian company at that, I would expect my employees to live up to my expectations of behavior, professionalism and courtesy. Just handle it calmly but matter-of-factly, that the behavior will not be accepted.

Right on! And speaking of donuts, maybe that's the ticket: you, the Major and the uber-boss sit down over some good coffee and donuts and work it out. Worked for Dr. Gates, the President and the Policeman...'cept that was beer...

(By the ay...this guy doesn't actually expect you all to adress him as "Major" Whatever, does he? Sounds like Captain Peacock from Are You Being Served.")

Best

AA

[wildrover]

I had showed the store manager a color photograph of m ensembles, she had picked out the one I wore, I had a white shirt combo in the portfolio.

Fancy a change in employment responsibilities, as opposed to a change in status? If she gave permission, and you are familiar with her, it might be worth the offhand comment that you'd make a good shift manager. Granted, kilts and deep fryers don't mix, but as others have stated, it's only a min-wage job, and there are others out there.

Yes, the is a Christian bookstore, and its part of a chain.

I had a suspicion (it was the uniform, btw). While you may have an uphill battle with certain presuppositions with some people in that environment, I would expect that a conservatively kilted gentleman would be recognized as well-dressed, as kilted gentlemen generally are when they attend church. It sounds like the lady who gave permission (and picked the outfit!) understood this, and only needs to make it clear to the shift supervisor, even if it requires the almighty hand of god himself.

BTW, feel free to tell transie-boy (or rather, his super) that his attitude only perpetuates a very negative religious and cultural stereotype. That may be more effective than other suggestions here.

-Sean

[Nighthawk]

I had showed the store manager a color photograph of m ensembles, she had picked out the one I wore, I had a white shirt combo in the portfolio.
Yes, the is a Christian bookstore, and its part of a chain.

Wait... you actually not only had permission, but had the specific outfit approved ahead of time and this still happened? I'd have someones job over that!

I hate to belabor the point, but this is not a civil rights violation. Not in any legal sense. It's a dress code issue, nothing more. There is no established legal "right" to wear the kilt at work in the private sector. Scotcop would have no legal standing to even threaten action over this incident. Not only does he have no legal precedent to back him up, but he doesn't even have any damages to claim. It's not like he lost his job. He just got a verbal warning.

Man, you could be so wrong on this! His sexuality was called into question, by an authority figure, in public! At every place I've ever worked, that an offense would get you fired- it creates a hostile work environment, shows blatant prejudice, humiliates the employee, and fits well into the realm of sexual harassment! Plenty of civil rights were violated- and he actually had his outfit preapproved by the store manager! I emailed my friend in my employers HR department to find out what her take is, and I'll let you know what I find out from her.

[Tobus]

What, if any, dress code or written dress expectations are in place at your place of empleyment and your level of employee? If none, your supervisor is in critical violation of your civil rights (unless your kilt was somehow dangerous in the workplace)

I hate to belabor the point, but this is not a civil rights violation. Not in any legal sense. It's a dress code issue, nothing more. There is no established legal "right" to wear the kilt at work in the private sector. Scotcop would have no legal standing to even threaten action over this incident. Not only does he have no legal precedent to back him up, but he doesn't even have any damages to claim. It's not like he lost his job. He just got a verbal warning.

Invoking the term "civil rights" really does not apply here, as much as we would all like for the law to protect our inalienable right to wear the kilt wherever we choose.

Scotcop, I don't think you mentioned whether the manager knows that this guy sent you home and berated you. Was she present at the store when this happened? If so, did she just allow it to happen despite her previous permission?

[Bludongle]

Okay okay okay.... enough already.

"It's just a minimum wage job..." blah blah blah .... has to stop.

I understand that you all don't mean to belittle the man but its A job.

And one he takes pride in and does very well from all accounts. the fact that it is a Christian bookstore that he works in tends to make me think that he has a bit of a spiritual connection to the community in which he works.

And in this economy those things aren't easily replaced by working down at the Quickie Mart.

Talk to your supervisor and explain what happened and simply say that you felt she needed to know what occurred before some witnessing customer comes in and talks about it.

Best on ya.

[muirkirkca]

I think the lack of civility by the shift supervisor should be dealt with as this type of behaviour will happen again. I wouldn't make a big issue of it but it should be reported nevertheless. You may not be able to wear the kilt but this is a small issue with a potential bully on the loose.

[cessna152towser]

If I read this correctly, the ex-Major has only been in the job one month and he is already berating smartly dressed employees with abusive insults such as the tranny suggestion, yet he turns up at work in a tee-shirt, cargoes and sneakers. Worth discussing with your co-workers to see if they have been having similar problems with him finding other excuses to berate them and then take a joint grievance to the top manager. The way the Major spoke to you displays a clear lack of management skills and I am confident he will not last long in this job once the top man susses out his chronic inadequacy. Well done on the restraint shown on the day.

[lethearen]

Does all this discrimination talk regarding "national origin" actually apply? Because if scotcop is an American celebrating his Scottish roots... well, frankly the kilt isn't _our_ national attire.

Regardless, the way that guy handled the situation was way outta line. Sorry you have to mess with jacks like that.

[Scotland Forever]

Regardless of what happens, I think the most important lesson out of all the advice is to stand up for yourself. Bullies gain power by getting away with their behaviour and this will only get worse if this bigot isn't dealt with swiftly and surely.

I can't remember if you stated your age, but if you are under 18, I would make sure your parent(s) are aware of what happened. I would also think about having them present when you discuss this with the aformentioned approver/manager. If you are over 18, then it's time to learn a Life Lesson, man up and go in there with your head held high.

Does all this discrimination talk regarding "national origin" actually apply? Because if scotcop is an American celebrating his Scottish roots... well, frankly the kilt isn't _our_ national attire.

I'm a Native Scot & I grew up in America wearing kilts - it's simply natural for me to wear one. I probably take wearing the kilt for granted. However, it simply infuriates me that people can be so small minded in this great country (not you Lethearen, the OP's bully). It's the same every time I hear about high schools not allowing kilts at the 'formal' prom. Idiots should be teaching our children diversity, not exclusion.