Is my boss racist?!

swissmiss04 · #1 10-23-2003, 05:20 PM

Ok guys I really hate when people cry "racist" or attribute things to rampant racism, but I think in this case someone I work with has a point. The owner of the store I work for is as far as I can see quite discriminatory. He has a mandated 80% white 20% nonwhite hiring ratio (and raises Cain when he doesn't have it) and made our manager's life hell (and drove her to quit) after the ratio became closer to 65-35. He sends all of the African-American workers "to the back" to wash dishes and do other backroom type jobs. He maybe gives them one shift a week and has already fired 2 black girls who were hired the same time I was (roughly 2 months ago) for things that they definitely should not have been fired for. One of my coworkers (who is black) filed a complaint against the company and my boss gave her a raise basically to buy her silence. Unfortunately it worked, but I can't fault her for it because she desperately needs money. He does not speak to the non-white workers when he does come to the store (rarely).
I really feel like this is something that needs to be fixed/exposed, but I don't want to lose my job. What should I do about it??

Imthachamp · #2 10-23-2003, 05:22 PM

do nothing. this is a part of life.

swissmiss04 · #3 10-23-2003, 05:23 PM

Hmmm good call. At least I know I wouldn't lose my job. But I'd still feel bad about it.

bethany1982 · #4 10-23-2003, 05:27 PM

If it's happening exactly like you say, this is illegal. Call your state employment people. I'd also try to find a different job. Do you really want to work for someone like this?

NinjaPoodle · #5 10-23-2003, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Imthachamp
do nothing. this is a part of life.

Yes, it is part of life but that doesnt mean she should put up with it. Also, I think it's a cop out.

Swissmiss04, you could go to the press anonymously as long as you have proof.

Imthachamp · #6 10-23-2003, 05:36 PM

im guessin swissmiss is white.

and if she's white...then who cares? as long as she is getting her money and the boss treats her good.

Honeykiss1974 · #7 10-23-2003, 05:38 PM

Also, if this business is part of a large chain (i.e Applebees, Chili's) most companies have an anonymous 1-800 number for employees to report things such as this, theft, or whatever. At my job its called the Compliance Line.

bethany1982 · #8 10-23-2003, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NinjaPoodle
Yes, it is part of life but that doesnt mean she should put up with it. Also, I think it's a cop out.

Swissmiss04, you could go to the press anonymously as long as you have proof.

This could destroy the man's business, which would be wrong if he's innocent. Let the state do it. They'll look for the proof and take action. If he is guilty, then let the press fry him.

Imthachamp · #9 10-23-2003, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bethany1982
This could destroy the man's business, which would be wrong if he's innocent. Let the state do it. They'll look for the proof and take action. If he is guilty, then let the press fry him.

why should this man get owned in the press?

if its HIS business and im not sure if it is, he should be able to hire an all white team if he wanted too.

greeklawgirl · #10 10-23-2003, 05:45 PM

Contact the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). If what you say is true, this should not go uninvestigated. Your boss may be violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

The phone number for more information is 1-800-669-4000.

Hope this helps.

bethany1982 · #11 10-23-2003, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Imthachamp
why should this man get owned in the press?

if its HIS business and im not sure if it is, he should be able to hire an all white team if he wanted too.

I agree. He should be able to hire anyone he wants. But not set up a quota. In my opinon, quota's are always wrong... no matter who sets them up.

NinjaPoodle · #12 10-23-2003, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by greeklawgirl
Contact the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). If what you say is true, this should not go uninvestigated. Your boss may be violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

The phone number for more information is 1-800-669-4000.

Hope this helps.

Greeklawgirl, I agree.

Imthachamp, You know what, you're right, he should hire who ever he wants since he owns the company. But, he should not have hired any Af-American people if he didnt want them there in the first place. That was stupid on his part.

swissmiss04 · #13 10-23-2003, 06:27 PM

Wow you guys are awesome. At first I really considered just copping out and saying "Tough isht" but then I realized that karma bites you in the ass like an angry dog. I am white and as far as I can tell everyone there likes me and I'm pretty secure. But I also haven't been "causing trouble." It sucks that I have to worry about keeping my job just because I'm doing the right thing. But I will check into my company's 1800 number just in case. Thanks for the info!

NinjaPoodle · #14 10-23-2003, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swissmiss04
Wow you guys are awesome. At first I really considered just copping out and saying "Tough isht" but then I realized that karma bites you in the ass like an angry dog. I am white and as far as I can tell everyone there likes me and I'm pretty secure. But I also haven't been "causing trouble." It sucks that I have to worry about keeping my job just because I'm doing the right thing. But I will check into my company's 1800 number just in case. Thanks for the info!

Good luck!

Tom Earp · #15 10-23-2003, 06:34 PM

This has become a problem in so many ways, Racial Profiling, hiring a % of ect.

I am a small business owner with 2 people one being me!

If the Federal Govt came in and told me I had to hire someone I did not want, I would tell them to piss up a rope!

When I had a Liquor Store, I had 6 employees, 3 Whites and 3 Blacks, not counting myself.

I did not hire them for the Color %, I hired them for the Type of People that they are!

I have people come in all of the time and ask if I am hiring!

"I want to tell them, If you get a hair cut, shave that cheezy crap off of your face, and dress decent, maybe you could find a job! Oh being able to talk if a good point also!

As a small business man, you have to be able to trust the people who are working for you!

Hopefully they will not steal your ass blind! Margins are slim and a little bit hurts when stolen

Edited to add, if this isa National Chain, that is Incorporated, and they pull Crap like this then they are and can be in a world of S**T!

But, if a person is hired for a specic job, that is different!

EEOC, would be the Place to start, but you better be able to dead bang prove it!