I work weekends at a grocery store called Winn Dixie. Yesterday I was on a lunch break and the store supervisor walked up to me while I was sitting on a bench and on ATS via my laptop and he walked over and leaned against the wall. Then he leaned forward and told me that he doesn't want me visiting these websites because they lie and distort facts. I was stunned and did not reply, and then he started to walk away and told me if he catches me on this website again I will be fired.

First off why does it even matter that I am on ATS while on break? Second how could he fire me for just visiting a website that is perfectly safe and legal? What is this guy’s problem and can he legally fire me for this. I don't understand what the problem is I was on a lunch break.

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I want to make it clear for everyone.

I am using my own internet service through a Sprint wireless Datacard.
I am using my own personal computer.
I am on the companies property.
I was on my unpaid lunch break.

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[edit on 3-15-2010 by SkepticOverlord]

Depends on your state laws. It could be one of those states that they can terminate you for any reason they want (or no reason at all). I would suggest looking for another job immediately and then tell your boss he is a closed-minded idiot and can find another obedient cog for his workforce.

I would find out what your employment rights are. I wouldn't have thought following your boss's political beliefs is part of your job requirement. If you are allowed to view the net on your lunch break, i cant see that your boss has the right to say what you can do.

keep an eye out for another job, you dont want to be working for someone like that.

Originally posted by Blazer
Depends on your state laws. It could be one of those states that they can terminate you for any reason they want (or no reason at all). I would suggest looking for another job immediately and then tell your boss he is a closed-minded idiot and can find another obedient cog for his workforce.

In Florida I think they can fire you for any reason.

I'm pretty sure there haven't been many tribunals from grocery store workers who feel they were unfairly fired (mind you there probably should be).

He's just a 'commonly shortened version of the name Richard' and to be honest can't say squat to you with regards to your break time activities (unless it's his internet).

Chill out bring in a copy of Mein Kampf and read that instead - see what he says then.

-m0r

he doesn't, and he can't.

Unless he uses some random reason like your scanned in this product wrong.

Tell him to go to hell.

I don't let my employees use ATS at work, but not because I don't want to.

It's a liability issue. We work with credit cards and personnal information, so message boards are a big nono.

Yeah, your fine, I would look for another job though, and tell him where to go.

~Keeper

Apparently you live in Florida, which is NOT one of the "no cause" states mentioned by the second poster. Your supervisor is ignorant of the law and obviously not on the cutting edge of HR policies. He's no doubt also an establishment type. If you were on Winn Dixie property during your lunch break, he could make a (weak) case that you were violating corporate rules regarding "objectionable/controversial websites", but this is usually limited to corporate computers. My advice is to update your resume and put in an application at Publix. The benefits are 100% better and the management is professional. (I am not an employee or shareholder of Publix Supermarkets.)

The most important thing you need to do is know your rights.

1. Get a copy of the Company's IT Policy. Some companies have rules about what can and cannot be viewed while using their network. Yes, you were on your own personal notebook. But, you were using THEIR network, so their rules apply. Review their policy and ensure you are following it to the letter. Otherwise, you don't have a leg to stand on.

2. Find out if the state you live in is what is called an 'At Will State'. If it is, (such as Oklahoma), that means they can terminate you 'At Will' with no reason at all. However, that doesn't mean you don't still have recourse for a wrongful termination suit.

Your best course of action is to simply find another job. But, we all know that's near impossible these days. However, should you choose to 'fight the good fight' then make sure you are following 'Company Policy' to the letter. If your boss continues with his 'warning' then show him the Company Policy that governs Internet Usage on breaks, acceptable and unacceptable websites, ect. Inform him that according to the Company Policy you are doing nothing wrong and request a 'written warning'. While this may go on your record it can be used later should things become Legally entangled.

From then on, do NOTHING to provoke him. Document everything your told to do and conversations he has with you. Especially ones that stray from the normal instructions that may be construed as 'punishment' for not doing what you were told.

Then, should you be terminated, you'll have all the evidence and documentation to back up a wrongful termination suit. But, remember, YOU have to be 100% clean and w/out fault, follow the rules, no talk back, no threats or showing of anger or violence or you lose everything.

Just my 2 cents. I hate people that think they can bully their employees and get away with it...makes me sick.

This supervisor is on a power trip, You say unemployment is quite high so i assume he is taking advantage of his position,
I am not trying to encourage you to break the law in anyway, (wink)
But you know that dodgy shelve or lose flooring, Or the fact he has not give you a manual handling or backcare course...
Enough said matey

I think I would find somewhere else to sit during lunch to where you would be able to see him coming. As the other posters have stated, you need to find out what your rights are. Call an attorney, they are required by law to provide so many hours free consultation per year.