Cussing on the job site!

[MAK]

sometimes when I know I'm going to be working at a job where I can't cuss, I'll get up in the morning and hurl expletives and racial epithets at my unsuspecting neighbor, then I'm set for the day.

LMAO!!:grin:

 

[e57]

This thread is funny because just like the sidework thread, the dividing line between business owners/formen and employees is pretty clear. Those who have businesses to build and customers to keep happy will watch what they and their employees say, employees who are just working for a paycheck generally don't care.

Peter first this is not an attack against you - you just pointed to something that I'm going to respond to.

I think its funny because it gives the righteous a chance to stand up and say 'Fire them and send them on their way...' without knowing WHAT* was said, (Because it obviously cant be printed here on these pages) or under the exact circumstances - although many have made allusion to 'No tolerance' - they somehow feel they have never been in a similar situation in their lives. And that they are SOOOO far above it...

To say 'employees don't care' is just another in a long line of generalizations that this thread is full of.

*I have worked with people from all walks of life (Military which has someone from every walk of America, big cities on both coasts, in rural areas, other countries...) - and seriously WHAT might be offensive to one person is par for the course to another. The OP is from Texas - not that I am going to generalize about the entire population of women in that state, or the men either - but IMO they can be neurotically offended by what someone from NYC might see as an socially inert statement. FYI - the word "Cussing" will usually tell you that the person is from certain areas of the country. (Sorry - more generalizations...)

When I entered Boot Camp in the USMC - "Mothers of America" had successfully sued the Feds to remove what they had seen as "Cussing" from the lexicon of the Armed Services which has had a long history of foul language. Watching five grown men struggle with self-censorship like a living over-dubbed movie was embarrassing to see first hand. It just did not convey the emotion of the intended purpose....

I have worked on all Irish crews with Irish bosses where common words would easily offend most here - especially women. FYI - Celtic languages were considered so foul by the British that they were forbidden to be spoken - as well as for political reasons. I have had Cockney friends who might seem equally offensive to many here. As would many of the people I grew up with around Boston.

Our American Culture is at war with itself in terms of perceived morality. All of those rated R movies reflect a broad cross-section of America - not ALL of it - as is seen by the G rated peoples of the world trying to make the world theirs - censor everything, and FIRE people for words.... (As if words belie behavior...) No questions asked - just sack 'em!

I'll stop here before I really cross the political lines by making further analogies about social censorship via simple comparisons.

Granted we all follow professional rules of conduct - and you get an itch you look around before you scratch right? You could get fired for that - it does not sound to me that these guys knew they were be listened to. But the predominant answer here on the all seeing all knowing internet - is termination of employment....

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I think its funny because it gives the righteous a chance to stand up and say 'Fire them and send them on their way...'...............

I didn't want to quote the entire post but very well said. I applaud you.

 

[roger]

although many have made allusion to 'No tolerance' - they somehow feel they have never been in a similar situation in their lives.

And what makes you think that is the case?

And that they are SOOOO far above it...

Once again, what makes you think that's the case

I've been there, and have definitely fit the description at times in my life, but as it is now, I have a very low tolerance for rude people.

Just the way it is.


Roger

 

[peter d]

Peter first this is not an attack against you - you just pointed to something that I'm going to respond to.

Good speech, but I still don't get what you're trying to say. All I was pointing out is that when money, business and reputation are at stake, the "rules of etiquette" suddenly become very important. As Bob, Roger and others have pointed out there can be real consequences for "swearing like a sailor" in some situations (working for large corporations), that include, yes, even termination.

 

[e57]

I've been there, and have definitely fit the description at times in my life, but as it is now, I have a very low tolerance for rude people.

Ask I have continued to say - the prespective of "rude" and or "inappropriate" are in the eye of the beholder.

In the south - I am considered rude - Due just the cadence and tone of my voice - In Someville or C-town MA I am not... Nor am I in NYC, or Detriot. I would be considered vulger in Texas - but not in E. London.

WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WAS SAID - OR IN WHAT CONTEXT.
Yet moral majority is going to say - fire them?????

Sorry further responce will have to be later - Baby time.....

 

[76nemo]

Let her rest.

Let her rest.

How about I pick one floor, you choose another, but if my guy is in working with your help, I expect that they respect your crew and code of conduct. Vice-versa.

We're lost here though. I mean really lost. I do service work, I work around strangers daily. Strangers that can strangle my name. Some of you guys are down it the pits landing grounding grid, smokin' cigarettes. There's a BIG difference.

I'll get up to camp, and have no problem with anybody ripping off at the mouth, I'd be right there with 'em, but on the jobsite, he doesn't work for me. This thread is getting old. One side of the conversation is all repeating themselves, and so is the other.

Choose whatever you want to do. It won't affect my last name and business.

Let her rest

 

[Minuteman]

This thread is funny because just like the sidework thread, the dividing line between business owners/formen and employees is pretty clear. Those who have businesses to build and customers to keep happy will watch what they and their employees say, employees who are just working for a paycheck generally don't care.

I choose not to use profanity, made that choice over 20 years ago. (Gave up drinking back then too.) When I was just another wireman on the job, I was the one who stepped out of the conversation, or who was the brunt of the jokes, because of my decision. Not trying to claim martyrdom here, the path I chose is not so valiant to warrant any kudos. It is not about me.

However yes, since I am responsible for workers, I do care about the image presented on the job site.

At the same time, I'm not a prude and I do have a good sense of humor.

 

[e57]

OK - I'm back...

I would REALLY like to know what was said, and in what context - I'm sure it is a mystery that will elude us - as it may not be able to be printed here. But then again it very well might be???

Some of us might say - "hang 'em!"
Some might say - "my word.... Your kidding right?!?!"

(Maybe the OP can PM it to me? Who knows? I too may be saying 'stoke the fire?')

Point is - is that without knowing, and we may never know in the context of this thread (due to forum policy) what the circumstances were - yet some here have condemned these people not just on a professional level (which would require at least some due diligence on fact) but on a moral level on concept alone without knowing the facts.

Remember - we are talking about the most fickle and acutely emotionally sensitive sub-species of the genus - A Texan Woman School Principal! (having dated two different Texan women for periods totaling ~7 years, and knowing several women Principals - I think I can imagine the drama.) And if she were older than 45 - she may also be carrying a flag to keep chivalry (in the romantic sense) alive by human blood sacrifice... Sorry, slipping into the deep end of the pool again.... :grin:

But I do hope some of you see my point....

 

[iwire]

I would REALLY like to know what was said, and in what context -

Us knowing the context will not help.

The only people that the context means anything to is the person who was offended and the boss of the group who was speaking.

Some bosses will be far more tolerant they others.

 

[iwire]

I think its funny because it gives the righteous a chance to stand up and say 'Fire them and send them on their way...'

Now your just as bad as 'the righteous' you have painted yourself as 'fighting the good fight.'

Bottom line is the employees, while on the clock have to follow the companies polices no matter what their individual backgrounds are.

I surely hope no good employee would be fired for a simple slip of the tongue, on the other hand if it is something the employee simply refuses to try to comply with then fire them.

 

[nakulak]

After reading this thread I have converted, and I have now updated our employee handbook as follows:
"Employees caught swearing on the job shall be summarily horsewhipped with not less than 20 lashes. Subsequent infractions shall be dealt with in a proportional fashion, including but not limited to serving time on the rack, drawing and quartering, burning at the stake, firing squad or any other suitable punishment, followed, of course, by firing. Company representatives witnessing and delivering punishment shall be required to attend a jobsite meeting same day, where company procedures will be discussed, followed, of course, by donuts and group hugs"

 

[iaov]

There is no excuse for behavior like that when customers and building occupants are around.

If a person is smart enough to be messing with electricity they should also be smart enough to know when to watch thier language.

 

[iaov]

You should have stopped after the 8th word.

I know about G. Carlins 7 you can't say.Is there an eighth??:smile:

 

[George Stolz]

Two things come to mind.

One, my father used to tell me people sounded stupid when they cussed. The listener being offended set aside, if you are around someone who cusses way too much, you notice, don't you? Ever have someone who uses the wrong cuss as an adjective when it's clearly the wrong one for the noun?

I noticed people cussing at a place I wouldn't (can't remember anything about it now), and I realized my dad was right.

Years later, I become a construction worker. My habits slipped, and I fell into my high school vocabulary. One night, I met up with my wife after work in town, as we were getting some papers notarized. I was really tired, I'd been working hard all day.

In the car on the way home, my wife asked me what my problem was. I was confused. She said I'd let the f-bomb drop four times in a ten minute exchange with the banker. I had no memory of saying anything at all. She said the banker (a young woman about my age) was visibly taken aback by it, but continued about the business at hand.

I felt really stupid, because I was one of "those guys" my dad had mentioned years ago. I still am, but I understand how stupid it makes me sound verbally, and losing it completely would not be a loss to the jobsite.

This thread's a good reminder to work on it, as I'm working at a church at the moment.

 

[lpelectric]

A company is only as good as it's signature. If the corporate signature is exemplified by foul-mouthed individuals dressed in "Joe's Electric" shirts, this is a direct representation of that signature. If the work is taking place in a biker bar, few may notice, but in other settings it may be necessary to adapt to one's surroundings. :smile:

 

[BryanMD]

When your only tool is a hammer

When your only tool is a hammer

everything begins to look like a nail.

Two things come to mind... if you are around someone who cusses way too much, you notice, don't you? Ever have someone who uses the wrong cuss as an adjective when it's clearly the wrong one for the noun?

This thread's a good reminder to work on it, as I'm working at a church at the moment.

Good point about the quality of the 'cussing'. Random/serial F bombs just show no style at all and poorly constructed sentences show themselves even using the 'bad' words.

If you are motivated to stop 'cussing' try what I did. Work for a Mennonite and in close proximity to his wife. You'll be cured or gone within days.

 

[cowboyjwc]

I once belonged to a bowling league that wanted to start a cuss jar and "fine" you $5 every time you cussed. When asked why I was against it I told them that I would just have to write them a check for $200 and then they could tell me when I used that up as I could lose $20-$25 on one bad ball. :grin:

 

[Rewire]

I once belonged to a bowling league that wanted to start a cuss jar and "fine" you $5 every time you cussed. When asked why I was against it I told them that I would just have to write them a check for $200 and then they could tell me when I used that up as I could lose $20-$25 on one bad ball. :grin:

It is amazing how owning the business or having young children can make you become less tolerant of people with potty mouths.

 

[cowboyjwc]

Some people believe that there is a time and a place for everything and some people believe that there is never a time and a place for certin things and I believe that we all think that what was done was probably uncalled for.

That said. I've worked construction for 30 years and as some of the other guys have said some of those words just don't mean a thing and just come out. I have also run for political office and I coach youth baseball as well as umpire (and if you've ever been hit in the shoulder with a 70 mph fastball that would be as good of a time as any to let loose) and I can go along for weeks and never let one go . I have had dinner at the Mayors house and I have chatted with the ditch diggers on a job.

I can turn it on and off, but some people do not have that ability. It is something that can be learned as I had to and having to learn it has actually curtailed my use. Sitting down with your employees before hand or just at your nomal meetings, if you have them, and reminding them can go a long way in preventing this sort of thing.