Help needed

Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 3

I am at my witts end with my lead. I feel no other alternative then to call the ethics line. Now I have heard and read stories about people who call the ethics line and get treated badly afterwards. Is there no protection such as the whistle blower law? Should I reconsider? What do I have to expect when and if I call?

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1378

Seriously, you're not going to change human nature.

Your lead is not a good leader, but he is your boss. He is close to the sgm so you lose twice. You'll never get a fair shake.

The ethics line will get you nothing but dismissed under other charges, months from now when it looks unrelated.

My best advice is for you to find a better job where you can be happier.

Dump this bad situation and go where you'll get the recognition you need. Staying and getting sick will make it impossible to find another job.

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1378

By the way, if you say you can't leave because it would cause money problems, please also consider that you won't be able to find another job if you're always going to be in the restroom throwing up or whatever.

Seriously ill now? Get your HR to print off the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) papers and take them to your doctor to fill out. The company can't fire you for missing work due to your diagnosed illness. For a while.

LOOK FOR ANOTHER JOB.

Did you NOT realize that your name says it all?

Joined: 16 Mar 2004 Posts: 423

ditto. I've never heard of the ethics line ever having a positive effect. I have heard managers laughing it off, however. Rolling Eyes

Don't let them treat you like a chump. If you're sick of it and cannot see yourself taking it any longer, take a deep breathe and walk on out of there. There's always a way. You'll find another job. In my last year at Sears I had constant stomache aches and even suffered from bouts of depression and insomnia. Sears is not worth all of that.

Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies. My thing is why should I leave? I did nothing. The way I look at is say everytime you wanted to sit on your porch and the neighbor came over and smacked you. Should you stay inside because of something that should not be happening? Just my opinion and remember "Our opinion counts Smile

"

Joined: 16 Mar 2004 Posts: 423

IWantOut...just go ahead and tell us your full story. What has your lead done? There are options beyond the ethics line, but no one can promise that there won't be any retaliation. Yes, yes, I know that's in their policies...but...yeah. Rolling Eyes

~CWR

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1378

Well, be realistic. We're not talking about actually getting smacked.

We're talking about mental abuse. About being accused of doing or not doing something, as they choose to look at it.

You're not going to win, even if you find some way to bring attention to how they are treating you.

It is a no win situation.

You are not in charge there. They are.

If they get kicked out by the kmart merger, then fine. Maybe everything will be better for you. Do you really want to hang around to see?

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1378

Regarding what CURRENTw/ROEBUCK is advising you...

NO. DON'T TELL US THE STORY. Don't put it out there for people at your store to talk about! No one here needs to know!

It's enough, what you've said. At least you can sleep, knowing that you are still anonymous. Keep it that way.

Joined: 16 Mar 2004 Posts: 423

I meant it to be a vague story. I'm sure that IWantOut is in the right, but it could be a "Oh, my lead wants me to do my own signs or something." You read his post before he edited. If it's all-out harrassment, then yes, he should try to do something. Hell, I'd rather lose my job fighting for what I believe in than quitting, but either way, there is life outside of Sears.

Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 124

This is a lose-lose situation. Look diligently for a job. It's always easier to get one while you have one. Network, tell everyone you know that you're looking for a job. I can't speak for everyone, but most of those who post hear understand the financial implications. Most of us also understand that you feel you've done nothing to deserve this treatment. Perhaps you have a lead that feels threatened by your mere existence. The paranoid environment has pitted employees (not associates..associate implies a sense of ownership/teamwork) against each other for survival. You've done nothing wrong, however, you will never change that person. Mean and petty people will usually stay mean and petty, barring a life changing experience. You can stand on principal till the cows come home, but it won't pay the bills when he/she gets you fired. Lawsuits are expensive and very difficult to pursue. Sure, if you can prove out and out discrimination, you may have a case. If so, check the EEOC's website for guidance. In my opinion, they must teach "Lawful Harassment" at Sears U. It's rampant in the company and no matter how many people call the 888SEARS , the new attitude is "the management is always right". They are "sticking together". They want attrition without benefits (i.e. no severence, no unemployment). If you have any years at all, as some of us do/did, you lose vacation, seniority, etc etc. It's tough starting over. If you're young, run to the nearest employer. Take less money if you can possibly afford it. Get out of retail altogether if that's an option. Retail is notoriously low paying and the future, for those who have been fortunate enough to earn a good living, is bleak. Those jobs are going away. These are the "McJobs" of tomorrow. McDonalds jobs used to be considered rinky-dink jobs. McDonalds is a step up in some markets and will be a step up in all markets soon. There are on-line courses with universities to earn college credit and there is a substantial amount of college aid/grants for those of us who are/have been underemployed. There is a way out if you really, really set your mind to it. Set goals, make plans and run for your life. I wish you the best.

Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 1378

downhillfromhere... Very perfectly said! Sage advice!

Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 23

downhill has spoken true words. As a former severance package person, there is life after Sears. Remember an ol saying "When one door closes, another one opens."
After the purge of 24 Jan 02, there wasn't much of an Ethics Line or Ethics Dept. All that was done was sent back to District HR and it was the fox guarding the hen house. Nothing was done and isn't now. If you are long service, hold on as long as you can, do the best you can, don't take it home and forget about it at the back door. If you are young, get into another field and enjoy life as it is too short to let it get to you. Sears will never be what it was, a place to work, enjoy work and be with your fellow workers. Remember, take your money and get out and rollover your 401. All they want to do is pressure the remaining personnel to get out so Lacy and etal will get richer.
The spiral continues to go downhill. Peace, wilbur

Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 3

Update::: I just went ahead and quit. I was hoping to make it to my 2 year mark in June but I just said the heck with it. My wife has a good job and can take care of the bills until I find something better. Thanks for the help everyone and good luck with you're jobs.

Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 124

Best of luck. Hit the ground running. School will be out in a couple of months and college students will be diluting the job market. Stay away from retail, if that's an option.

Joined: 23 May 2008 Posts: 151

I was looking up info on the Sears ethic line on google and this thread came up.

From 2005 and it says it all!

Wonder what he is doing now?

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

I know of someone who made a formal complaint against the store coach treating them poorly. The person became virtually untouchable because anything that was said and done to them may be taken as retaliation.

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