Protestantism

» Migisi - SOS on Discrimination.?.?.?

In response to SOS on Discrimination.?.?.? posted by GodChsr:
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Hi Stephen. Good to see you still posting.
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someone who does NOT need "Excessive assistance to do the job"
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What would I do?
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The applicant is clearly qualified, has a good work history, and ~to your knowledge~ doesn't need "Excessive assistance to do the job". Call him - so you're sure he's phone capable (which I imagine is part of the job). If he is communication capable, I'd schedule a job interview for him. You're ONLY interest here is hiring the best qualified personnel for your company. That's your job, right?
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What if that sticky note read "BLACK", or "FEMALE", or "UGLY" instead of "DEAF"? Would you have any trouble ignoring it?
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YOU didn't attach the sticky note to the rejected application in the trash file. As I see it, you're not responsible for what somebody did in the past. But you ARE responsible for what YOU do today and in the future. You have anti-discrimination laws to back up your decision in this case - laws which your employer IS aware of. You don't know if this 'sticky note' left in the file isn't a TEST to determine if YOU are discriminatory in your job. Think on that!
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My dad would tell you "Do what's right, so you can sleep at night".

-- posted by Migisi

» GodChsr - ...

Thanks for the responses...
I haven't been at work since I wrote that post. I fractured my ankle playing basketball the next day... anyway.
To address the comments and questions... YES, I am absolutely bothered by this.. and NO I am not in human resources. SO I don't hire anyone. It's not even my job to review the applications but I am authorized to look at them and grade tests etc...
Also, the job the 'deaf' person was applying for has NOTHING to do with the job at hand. So being deaf is not a hinderance, I'm sure it makes it more difficult to communicate with them but that shouldn't keep them from being hired.
Here's my resolve... (let me know what you think) The HR secretary was the one who threw the application away, SO the HR hiring team doesn't even know about this (I assume). I think I should take the application to the HR Manager and let them know so they can deal with it personally.
My only concern is that I will personally be scorned for making it an 'issue' and that my job could get more 'difficult' if it turns out that HR has been aware of these things all along. I just want to make sure I have a legal leg to stand on before I go putting my head in the guillotine.

-- posted by GodChsr

» pink101 - Times Like These

In response to ... posted by GodChsr:
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During times like these when management is being given so much support for the application of ethics, it is important to rationalize the situation.
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I think your use of the phrase, before I go putting my head in the guillotine, holds your answer.
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Maybe you could get involved in some community projects that work to put a focus on discriminatory actions. Get a copy of the application and send it anonymously to the local association for the deaf with a copy going to the national? Send copies to the newspaper, the local political parties, churches? Whistle blowing can backfire--ask me--I did it and felt the pains of being ostracized from my coworkers. I ended up resigning from an excellent career position. No one else was hurt in the least.
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Shake someone up without hurting yourself unnecessarily which wouldn't really help anyone and could only hurt you and your family members who depend on you for their livelihood.
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-- posted by pink101

» GodChsr - Times Like These

In response to Times Like These posted by pink101:
Exactly!

I have no problem in helping eliminate the discrimination and getting this person the job they deserve. I also would like to keep the good job I have and without extra work to do! hahaha

-- posted by GodChsr

» Migisi - ...

In response to ... posted by GodChsr:

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NO I am not in human resources. SO I don't hire anyone. It's not even my job to review the applications but I am authorized to look at them and grade tests etc...
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I'm confused about your job. If you're not employed in HR, how are you authorized to look at aps and grade tests - etc. ?

-- posted by Migisi

» redback - ...

In response to ... posted by GodChsr:

Anti-discrimination protections are only as good as those willing to uphold them. When you are concerned about being scorned, my first question is just how bad an attitude does your firm have to hiring people with disability. Presumably they'll keep you on with a fractured ankle history despite any ongoing problems it may possibly cause you...and I don't aim to jinx you. And presumably other existing employees who develop serious problems have been treated well?

When there is a history of employing a blind person, wheelchair bound etc, a deaf person is less of a challenge. Are there objective problems regardless of the applicant's unfair treatment? What are the health & safety issues where you can suggest a remedy?

It sounds like a good suggestion to me to take it to the HR manager. Is it critical to keep the 'DEAF' sticker on it?

-- posted by redback

» GodChsr - ...

In response to ... posted by Migisi:
Well I company is expanding at such a fast rate that HR often asks the accounting department (since they are right next to us) to help relieve the surge of applications. Ultimately I had to be trained on how to properly give an apptitude test... basic BS 101. 1- Give paper 2- set timer yada yada yada

I am in accounting as a multi function person. I don't have a CPA, so I'm not an 'accountant'.

-- posted by GodChsr

» GodChsr - ...

In response to ... posted by redback:
Here's officially what I have done thus far. I photo copied the entire app and test... with the sticker on it.
That is in my personal folder at home now in case something happens.

I also took the actual application/test and covertly placed in the HR manager's office in such a way that screams "Look at me!" and "How did this slip in with the rest of the applications" It will appear to have been slipped in by accident with the 'Yes' pile when in fact it was a 'No'.
NOTE: It still has the Deaf sticker on it.

Tomorrow when I go in I plan on waiting for everything to get shut down. Once they've left I'll recheck the 'No' pile (trash box) and see if it was discarded a second time.

Now this is where I am confused on what to do... If it HAS been trashed then should I call the person? File a complaint myself?
At that point it will be IMPOSSIBLE for me to whistle blow the situation... and a for a good reason... our company. Without selling out: Here's the skinny... we're a fortune 500... Top 20... and we make automobiles move.

We, in the office I work in, are the mothership of the entire operation. If I say something they will try to cover it up and I will be forced to have a 'difficult' work situation because I would essentially cornered the top HR person in the company. I don't want to be 'asked' to 'voluntarily' resign my job. That seems too dangerous to me. SO I feel like going to an outside source would guarantee my safety.?.?.?.?

I am nervous about this because this is the first GREAT job I have had in my life... I need it. and in this economy I don't think I will be getting too many second chances.

-- posted by GodChsr

» pink101 - Hot Potato

In response to ... posted by GodChsr:
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Here are three ways you can deal with the situation:
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1. Sensibly
2. Reasonably
3. Rationally
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It will be important for you and for everyone else that you apply common-sense to your choosing.
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Proceed with caution.
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Do you know the company policy in regards to the situation?
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Is there a procedure of operations manual on company hiring practices?
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Have you ever played the game, Hot Potato?
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-- posted by pink101

» GodChsr - Hot Potato

In response to Hot Potato posted by pink101:

Yes, I have played hot potato but this is no time for games! ;) hehe

I will be sure to check the Company SOP on this situation if there is one.

I am here to report bad news though... His application is GONE. I checked the files today and they are not even around. There is one closet where they "Hold" all apps that have been rejected, for 90days. Some thing they tell most people when you apply. "Your application will stay on file for 90 days." Well ours is a closet hahaha

Anyway, I suspect his app is in that closet and I can't find the key.

What should I do at this point other than check the SOP?

-- posted by GodChsr