The Conservative Cave
Current Events => The DUmpster => Topic started by: Tucker on December 31, 2013, 07:16:55 AM
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http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024251668
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 03:41 PM
Star Member KansDem (25,753 posts)
My wife’s 72-year-old brother was “written up†at work recently
Last Monday, my wife and I went to her family’s annual holiday get-together. While we were exchanging gifts and partaking of holiday treats, I learned that my wife’s 72-year-old brother was “written up†for falling asleep on the job.
Now, a little history—He spent his younger and middle years as a famer helping his dad on the family farm. At one point during the mid-1970s, the farm was sold due to his dad’s growing back problems and to pay off debt accrued over the decades. The brother then went to work in a series of odd jobs like bartending. He managed to land a decent job as a security officer for a local company and worked there for many years. His main responsibility required him to work out of a small, windowed office at the company’s entrance gate where he checked drivers in and out of the plant as well as monitor the plant’s security cameras. So he spent the bulk of his time chatting with truck drivers and other customers while watching a few TV screens.
Well, that business folded so he moved on. I don’t know how many jobs he had but he now works as a security officer for a company that, in his own words, doesn't treat its employees very well—at least not a well as his previous job at the plant.
He works "9 to 5"—that is 9pm to 5am. He doesn't have the camaraderie that his job at the plant had—there is no one to really visit with. He sits at a desk and monitors several security cameras. I don’t know if he makes rounds but it sounded like he mostly sits and watches TV screens.
Recently during his shift, he fell asleep and was discovered. This resulted in his being “written up.†Two more “write ups†and he’s fired. But really, how many of us half his age could watch security monitors all night long, night after night, without doing the same? Hell, our visit with my wife’s family lasted only about 3 hours and I saw him nod off a couple of times.
He spent the first half of his life as a farmer, and as such, he has no retirement and only a small Social Security stipend to live on. Hence, his need to keep working at age 72.
There should be a stronger safety net for our senior citizens so they won't have to work jobs that tax their physical and mental health during their "golden years."
:bouncy:
Response to KansDem (Reply #2)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 05:11 PM
liberalmike27 (2,069 posts)
31. I think
There should be a minimum you get, even if you didn't work enough, or make enough money. It sort of defeats the idea if you still have people not earning enough to live.
Response to KansDem (Original post)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 03:52 PM
Star Member Scuba (33,269 posts)
7. Young, healthy GI's struggle to stay awake on guard duty in combat areas.
I hope your brother-in-law catches a break.
You're a complete idiot. I can't stress that strongly enough.
Response to Scuba (Reply #7)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 04:45 PM
Star Member KansDem (25,753 posts)
22. Thanks...
I hope your brother-in-law catches a break.
I've noticed over the years (my wife and I have been married for 25 years) he's moving and talking a little slower and is prone to cat naps. I wish he had the job he had with the plant: daylight hours and people to visit with.
He really is a gregarious person: prone to telling humorous stories about growing up on the farm and the local characters he's encounter over the years. But recently, like last Monday, he was much more reserved, much more detached. I attributed it to his advanced years and present situation. It doesn't give one much hope.
He's not getting paid to shoot the shit. He's getting paid to do a job.
Response to raging moderate (Reply #8)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 04:22 PM
Star Member KansDem (25,753 posts)
16. The golden lining is he has four successful children
Two sons and two daughters.
Both of his sons joined the military after high school and made careers of it. They are now retired and working in the private sector using the skills and education gleaned from their military careers.
His daughters are doing well, opting to marry and raise families.
He has been divorced for many years, and now rents the room he grew up in. That's right! When the farmhouse was sold, the buyer, a family acquaintance, offered to rent his room to him! So other than a broken-down pickup truck, that's all he has.
But his four children are doing fine and for that he's grateful.
Nice twist.
Response to KansDem (Original post)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 04:02 PM
Star Member Warpy (73,507 posts)
9. I've worked with nurses that vintage
who had tried to retire at 65 and found that the nursing pension plus Social Security weren't enough to pay the bills. They were often back at work in as little as three years, working part time as nurses because the pension was ridiculously low and at a fixed dollar amount that just didn't reflect the inflation we're not supposed to notice.
Nursing is a backbreaking job when you're in your 20s. I managed until my late 50s when my body fell apart. I can't imagine trying to cope with a 70+ year old body.
The system combines the utmost cruelty with the worst short sightedness. And now workers won't have even the security of a pension, just 401K plans that were long ago eaten up by broker and manager fees.
Tell us again why you are no longer a nurse.
Response to KansDem (Original post)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 04:10 PM
Star Member klook (4,713 posts)
12. He's living the nightmare we all have.
I'm really sorry to hear about this.
I confess, my first response was to suggest he join DU so he can read & post on the job -- he'll be too pissed off to sleep!
But this is no laughing matter. It's so awful for somebody who should be able to retire to have to keep working these crappy hours and putting up with abusive management.
:lol:
Response to KansDem (Original post)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 04:23 PM
MyOwnPeace (245 posts)
17. Let the barbs begin..............
I, too, have feelings for the guy, but, due consideration must be given for the responsibilities he has in that current position. He's responsible for security - keeping things from being stolen, or keeping "bad guys" out of the place. It IS a position of importance and should not be taken lightly (not that I'm saying he was doing so - it just is something that comes with the job description).
Perhaps it would be better if the company could place him in a position that was not so critical to the "security" of the place.
Again, I feel for the guy, but.................should we ignore 9/11 because Bush & Co. were asleep on their watch (I know, it's really a S T R E T C H, but I think you get the idea!).
I wish the gentleman well - a long and comfortable life without financial concerns!
And now a "my bouncy is better than your bouncy."
Response to KansDem (Original post)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 04:33 PM
MADem (95,507 posts)
20. I have a relative who was FIRED for the same reason; same hours, too.
He was diabetic and they set the heat to close to eighty degrees with no way for him to open a window or turn it down.
I managed to get him unemployment compensation by attending the hearings where the corporation where he worked were trying to claim that he was somehow "negligent" and brought it on himself and acting as his advocate. I brought witness statements, threatened to take them to the court of public opinion, and called them every name in the book. I really think the tool they sent had never heard the phrase "usurious bastards" before.
The judge hearing the case called them everything short of assholes, too, and ruled in his favor. Not a pretty time, though--much stress, so unnecessary.
He went on a quest for another job but without a good reference from the place he'd just left (where he'd maxed out on their pay chart--but a replacement would start on the bottom of their shitty little pay scale), and despite glowing ones from previous employers, and because he was quite experienced in what he did and would merit a larger paycheck than a twenty year old, AND because the job market sucked, AND because he was of a certain age, he had no luck.
He had a stroke a year later--a big one. Damn near died. Oh, never smoked or drank, so it wasn't lifestyle. Now he's on disability.
Thanks to the free MA health care that Commonwealth citizens enjoy, he got the best medical support to include aftercare that 'socialized medicine' could buy.
Response to KansDem (Original post)
Tue Dec 31, 2013, 12:30 AM
Cleita (67,857 posts)
57. I agree he shouldn't be working at his age and be expected to perform
like he is twenty. I am nearly seventy four and looking for a part time job because my pension, SS included, has become insufficient to meet my needs and my needs are modest. Yet, I am in good health for my age as your BIL is probably as well. We just aren't that able to be as bouncy as a younger person. I haven't found a job because the job market sucks. I try to pick up jobs pet sitting and such, but it's sporadic. I hope your BIL doesn't get into too much trouble at work. I feel for him as I was in a similar situation and got into trouble at my last job because I made some mistakes in misfiling. I think it was my eyesight was diminishing. A younger lady came in and yelled at me because according to her the alphabet was obvious.
I really was thinking about it and wonder if the states might pick up a supplemental pension to Social Security according to making up for cost of living depending on the state you are living in. I think it would help. I know. I dream.
I really wish that she would post more.
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Cool story bro.
If I caught one of my guards sleeping on the job, he/she would be fired immediately. If you can't physically work the hours, don't take the job.
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[Star Member Scuba (33,269 posts)
7. Young, healthy GI's struggle to stay awake on guard duty in combat areas./quote]
Struggle and actually falling asleep are two different things you idiot. If soldiers in a combat zone fall asleep, people die. That's usually enough incentive to stay awake. DUmmieScoobie do us all a favor and Shut the F**k up.
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It sounds to me like he didn't plan very well for his future... like the senior greeters at Walmart.
A farm that was in a bunch of debt, ect...
My grandparents have lived in the same house since 1955. He drove a forklift at a paper mill she was a bus driver but eventually became a teacher. They lived in what some would consider a shack, an old farm house on a dirt road in Olive Branch MS. Since retirement they have added on to it, and destroyed the old parts of it. Anyway, like that whole side of my family they are very good with money never buying anything that wasn't a necessity and planning very well for retirement. Let me just say this, if a tornado blew everything they owned away they could by it 100 times over. They have also since spent most of their time in retirement traveling the world.
They budgeted for the necessities when they were working and saved for the future. Is it so hard people?
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The company has to write him up to document it.
Should he fall asleep again and they have to let him go, without the documentation that he was derelict in his duties and let go for good reason, he could run his little ass down to the unemployment office, file a claim, and get it...and the company's SUI tax would rise as a result.
Most state UI agencies almost always side with the employee if you lack documentation. If you can't produce reams of evidence that you had to fire them they'll get awarded unemployment every time.
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They budgeted for the necessities when they were working and saved for the future. Is it so hard people?
They live for today with excessive drinking and drugging. They believe that it's the Governments role to take care of them.
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The company has to write him up to document it.
That's, exactly, the way it works and that's exactly how I worked as a shift supervisor.
If you take the job, I will make you do the job.
If you screw up, you will get written up, if you get written up 3 times you are gone
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Why are all the people claiming it is unfair for him to possibly lose his job doing so by making the case that he is too old to perform the job?
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Security
No big deal, clock in and go to sleep, easy peachy.
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Funny story:
Back in my very younger years. I worked 2 full time jobs and went to college. One of those jobs was security all night a different places. I got stuck at La Qunita Inn in Jackson, MS for a few weeks. Which was gravy. I walked around, sat in my car listened to Art Bell, well needless to say I would get tired from time to time. I was walking past a room and noticed the door was open and it was vacant. And no one was on the list to be there. It's about 3:00 AM in the morning, I had done my rounds and really didn't have anything to do for another 30 minutes. So I thought to myself... "Self, why not go in watch TV for a minute and lay down you are worn out... it will just be for a minute." My intentions were good, nevertheless the next thing I remember is being woke up by the maid in the morning to clean the room. It was super embarrassing, I just got up walked past her got in my car and drove off. Never heard anything from my boss so I guess she never said anything. :thatsright:
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When I worked for a local bank, we had to go in at 4am to process payments for customers. The security guard used to nap behind the front desk.
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They don't call it the graveyard shift for nothing....I worked it for most of 5 years. And the side jobs during the day gave me money to have a paid for home and start my own business by age 25.
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This happened in the last few months. I have a PT gig that is a 24 hour 365 day operation. The overnight 11:00-6:00 shift is a single person. That person must be awake...period.
We had a mid 20 year oldish guy who always showed up to work at least 30 minutes late and always had excuses for being tardy. We all suspected that he was a recreational durg user. Several times he fell asleep and after the third time he was fired. A month later he OD and expired. Of course everyone felt bad, but his medical and life insurance was terminated with his employment. So his family has to pay his expenses, several days in ICU and the funeral.
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This happened in the last few months. I have a PT gig that is a 24 hour 365 day operation. The overnight 11:00-6:00 shift is a single person. That person must be awake...period.
We had a mid 20 year oldish guy who always showed up to work at least 30 minutes late and always had excuses for being tardy. We all suspected that he was a recreational durg user. Several times he fell asleep and after the third time he was fired. A month later he OD and expired. Of course everyone felt bad, but his medical and life insurance was terminated with his employment. So his family has to pay his expenses, several days in ICU and the funeral.
DUmmies now have free healthcare....next demand will be free "Deathcare".
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Funny story:
Back in my very younger years. I worked 2 full time jobs and went to college. One of those jobs was security all night a different places. I got stuck at La Qunita Inn in Jackson, MS for a few weeks. Which was gravy. I walked around, sat in my car listened to Art Bell, well needless to say I would get tired from time to time. I was walking past a room and noticed the door was open and it was vacant. And no one was on the list to be there. It's about 3:00 AM in the morning, I had done my rounds and really didn't have anything to do for another 30 minutes. So I thought to myself... "Self, why not go in watch TV for a minute and lay down you are worn out... it will just be for a minute." My intentions were good, nevertheless the next thing I remember is being woke up by the maid in the morning to clean the room. It was super embarrassing, I just got up walked past her got in my car and drove off. Never heard anything from my boss so I guess she never said anything. :thatsright:
Do not disturb !
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DUmmies now have free healthcare....next demand will be free "Deathcare".
You forgot to mention free "pre-deathcare"!
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You forgot to mention free "pre-deathcare"!
That's covered by welfare, foodstamps, Medicaid, section 8, etc., etc..
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DUmmies now have free healthcare....next demand will be free "Deathcare".
Isn't the coverage of the first one going to create a need for the second one?
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Yeah, young Soldiers struggle to stay awake on the graveyard shift....of course, that's after a full day of serious work and stress, and if they do fall asleep and get caught before anything bad happens at the hands of the enemy, they usually get a career-ending legal action for it...which is still a lot better than they get in some Third World armies, where the OD or SOG can just shoot them on the spot for it.
MADem (95,507 posts)
20. I have a relative who was FIRED for the same reason; same hours, too.
... I really think the tool they sent had never heard the phrase "usurious bastards" before...
Just guessing here, but I expect that reaction was because they got stuck on trying to figure out what the Hell you were talking about, since there isn't any obvious connection between anything you wrote and usury.
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Why are all the people claiming it is unfair for him to possibly lose his job doing so by making the case that he is too old to perform the job?
These greedy corporations should be forced to pay a sleeping wage.
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16. The golden lining is he has four successful children
Two sons and two daughters.
Both of his sons joined the military after high school and made careers of it. They are now retired and working in the private sector using the skills and education gleaned from their military careers.
His daughters are doing well, opting to marry and raise families.
Then why in the hell are not the kids taking care of him? Between 4 "successful" people it should be no problem taking care of Dad -- either hosting him or putting him in a nice facility with others his age. My Mom died before she hit that age but in her last decade my siblings and I took care of her.
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He works "9 to 5"—that is 9pm to 5am. He doesn't have the camaraderie that his job at the plant had—there is no one to really visit with. He wasn't hired to have people visit or socialize with him. He sits at a desk and monitors several security cameras. I don’t know if he makes rounds but it sounded like he mostly sits and watches TV screens. Sounds like a perfect job for any DUmmy
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16. The golden lining is he has four successful children
Two sons and two daughters.
Both of his sons joined the military after high school and made careers of it. They are now retired and working in the private sector using the skills and education gleaned from their military careers.
His daughters are doing well, opting to marry and raise families.
It's easy to figure out why. All of the common sense went to him and not his sister. Otherwise she wouldn't be married to a DUmbass.
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Then why in the hell are not the kids taking care of him? Between 4 "successful" people it should be no problem taking care of Dad -- either hosting him or putting him in a nice facility with others his age. My Mom died before she hit that age but in her last decade my siblings and I took care of her.
My father was shot in a holdup attempt. I took care of him for his last ten years. There was never any question of should I or not. Never even gave it any thought. It's just something that you do.
Deal with it..
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I feel for him, but you have to stay awake on the job, especially a security job. Getting up and walking around, even just a few steps to get the blood pumping, has always worked for me. You also need to take measures to improve your sleep when you're off.
Just by some of the responses in that thread you get an idea of why so many DUmbasses are chronically unemployed.
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I feel for him, but you have to stay awake on the job, especially a security job. Getting up and walking around, even just a few steps to get the blood pumping, has always worked for me. You also need to take measures to improve your sleep when you're off.
Just by some of the responses in that thread you get an idea of why so many DUmbasses are chronically unemployable.
FIFY. Unemployed sounds like a temporary situation. Their problems are forever.
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:bouncy:
Oh, yeah. Notice the recent Drudge Headline. Funny how these creatures seem to crawl out at a prodding.
100% :bouncy: :bouncy:
Response to KansDem (Reply #2)
Mon Dec 30, 2013, 05:11 PM
liberalmike27 (2,069 posts)
31. I think
There should be a minimum you get, even if you didn't work enough, or make enough money. It sort of defeats the idea if you still have people not earning enough to live.
:stoner: Oh yeah, like wow..... :whatever:
Then why in the hell are not the kids taking care of him? Between 4 "successful" people it should be no problem taking care of Dad
That would not be congruent to the pushed narrative.
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Libs have always been very concerned about getting a pre existing condition.
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Libs have always been very concerned about getting a pre existing condition.
They all have a prexisting condition... stupidity.
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Good grief.
Here in this world and not in backwards world where the DUmmies live, that would be written like this:
Relative applies for job, and is offered job. Relative accepts job and the responsibilities that come with said job.
Relative shirks responsibilities that go with said job, and gets written up, and is damn lucky he was ONLY written up.
The end.
Not to mention that here in the real world, the few responses such a story would get would amount to "****in DUh".
It never ceases to amaze, the mountain DUmmies can make out of reality.
CMD