Last May, I was bitching about having to work with humans:
> >I split my time between being a conductor on the steam train
> >(staying as far from the hot boiler as possible in summer), and
> >working as a "show quality monitor". The latter consists of noticing
> >things that need repair or replacement, and seeing that they are
> >reported to one of the 19 different maintenance departments, plus
follow-up.
> >
> >Right now, though, a new manager is trying to fire me for objecting
> >to new operating rules I consider unsafe. (And ridiculing him on a
> >private email list like this one.) The fact that I've got 35 more
> >years of railroad experience than he just annoys him even more.
> >
> >Best case, I get fired, goof off for a year or two, go to a lot of
> >hearings, then get reinstated with the help of my union with full
> >back pay. Worst case, I decide "screw it!" and try retirement again.
> >I'll let y'all know.
When I didn't so let, Udhay reminded me:
> Bruce, tell us more about how this turned out?
Fairly well, though not as I would have predicted.
Shortly after my previous post, they offered to fire me. I replied that I'd be
happy to take a year off at their expense, and mentioned that my Union had just
gotten someone reinstated with full seniority and $43,000 in back pay. That
shook them a bit.
Then they offered to demote me. I pointed out that I was *already* at
the lowest
rung of the pay scale, and there wasn't anywhere to demote me *to*.
Then they offered to oust me form the Show Quality job for someone else. I
mentioned that removing a Union Shop Steward against his will was actionable,
and I'd be happy to let them pay both me *and* my replacement.
"Since when are *you* a shop steward?" they demanded.
"Since last Thursday. Thanks for giving me the incentive to file papers," I
answered.
Having thus nearly argued them to a full stop, they stewed a few days and then
sent word to me -- while on stage with guests -- that the Show Quality position
was being eliminated, and no one would have the job. I was also advised that I
was, "No longer welcome in this department."
Well, when the handwriting on the wall is being done with a chainsaw, even the
stubborn catch on. I immediately asked for, and was granted, a 30 day leave of
absence. I figured they would be looking for an excuse to fire me, but that
would be difficult if I weren't there.
My Union agreed to back me in the fight, but pointed out that if I won, I'd be
working for the same morons, and by then the unsafe work rules would be firmly
embedded.
My weekly quotation email reminded me about that time of some wise words from
Mark Twain, "Never wrestle with pigs. Win or lose, the pigs will enjoy it and
you'll come out covered in muck."
So, before the end of my leave, I arranged a transfer. I'm now a concierge at a
hotel across the street, working for the same company, but at a higher rate of
pay. I can still hear the steam whistles blow, but I'm indoors and can no
longer feel the humidity.
I called this one a win. Apparently, my former supervisor considered it a loss
-- one to be avenged. Six weeks after the transfer went through, he entered
into the Company database that I was terminated due to my death. Screwed up
everything but my paycheck (apparently the Company is quite willing to pay dead
employees, so long as they continue to punch a timeclock). Still trying to get
that pettiness straightened out.
The atmosphere at the hotel couldn't be more different. Co-workers and
supervision alike leap to help one another, and it's nice to be part of a team
with such a cooperative and constructive attitude. My vast knowledge of the
property and familiarity with 1982 vintage software made me a preferred
reference before I finished training. That, plus my seven years' seniority,
convinced them to keep me when we closed 1/3 of our hotel for a years-long
rehab last month.
I don't know how long I'll stay. I've been offered the position of executive
director of a non-profit historical studies group. They want me badly enough to
have offered to sell their California headquarters and ship it all to
a location
of my choosing if I'll just accept.
It's nice to feel wanted!
Best of all, that organization is quite international in scope, and may finally
give me the excuse I've been waiting for to do more traveling, perhaps even
including India. We'll see.
Bruce Metcalf,
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
