"At-Will" Employment

[MrFedEx]

We recently were given our new and improved Employee Handbook. Instead of just handing it to us, we had to sign a legal statement that we'd received it. I believe the term "At-Will" appeared about 4 or 5 times in bold print within the several paragraphs on the statement.

There wasn't an option allowing you to refuse to sign. A manager was sitting in the check-in room and telling people they'd be written-up if they didn't sign.

More insulation against lawsuits.

 

[Catatonic]

We recently were given our new and improved Employee Handbook. Instead of just handing it to us, we had to sign a legal statement that we'd received it. I believe the term "At-Will" appeared about 4 or 5 times in bold print within the several paragraphs on the statement.

There wasn't an option allowing you to refuse to sign. A manager was sitting in the check-in room and telling people they'd be written-up if they didn't sign.

More insulation against lawsuits.

I see the implications that you have a Risk Management group at FedEx too!

Most communications that come from Corporate offices are directed at the behest or urgings of the Legal and Risk Management departments ... nothing special just a Corporation doing what Corporations do.

 

[LTFedExer]

Which years handbook is this?

 

[MrFedEx]

Which years handbook is this?

Current year. Didn't you have to sign the statement?

 

[MrFedEx]

I see the implications that you have a Risk Management group at FedEx too!

Most communications that come from Corporate offices are directed at the behest or urgings of the Legal and Risk Management departments ... nothing special just a Corporation doing what Corporations do.

Just curious. Does UPS do the same thing? When I was there as a Feeder Temp, I never had to read anything, but I was only a peak employee.

 

[LTFedExer]

Current year. Didn't you have to sign the statement?

Haven't gotten the book for 2011/12 fiscal, if that's the 1 your taking about. Last years book had a page in the back you tore out. It said nothing about 'at will'.

 

[MrFedEx]

Haven't gotten the book for 2011/12 fiscal, if that's the 1 your taking about. Last years book had a page in the back you tore out. It said nothing about 'at will'.

This year's version is just as I described.

 

[Mr. 7]

Just because I signed something saying I received the book, doesn't mean I read it.
If they don't give me time on the clock to read it, don't expect me to know what's in that book.

 

[LTFedExer]

This year's version is just as I described.

Haven't seen it yet.

 

[vantexan]

Haven't gotten the book for 2011/12 fiscal, if that's the 1 your taking about. Last years book had a page in the back you tore out. It said nothing about 'at will'.

We had to go online in mgr's office to acknowledge we've received it.

 

[vantexan]

Just because I signed something saying I received the book, doesn't mean I read it.
If they don't give me time on the clock to read it, don't expect me to know what's in that book.

Take it from someone who's been bit, if there's something in there that justifies their actions that affect you, it will be pointed out to you and not knowing about it won't get you anywhere.

 

[DOWNTRODDEN IN TEXAS]

Just because I signed something saying I received the book, doesn't mean I read it.
If they don't give me time on the clock to read it, don't expect me to know what's in that book.

This is what FAMIS 56 is for...courier admin and it gives you time to hit the bathroom before you go home...lol

 

[bbsam]

Take it from someone who's been bit, if there's something in there that justifies their actions that affect you, it will be pointed out to you and not knowing about it won't get you anywhere.

That's true. Like an extension of the fact that you can be served legal notice in local classifieds. You don't have to read it for them to fulfill their obligation.

 

[LTFedExer]

Ignorance of the law is not a defense. Same with policy and procedure.

 

[MrFedEx]

Ignorance of the law is not a defense. Same with policy and procedure.

OK, I agree. So FedEx should give everyone several hours to read the Employee Handbook on the clock before they are forced to sign a legal statement. Instead, they shove something at you at the end of a meeting and you legally obligate yourself by a quick signature that your manager says that you must sign. I know someone who refuses to sign things occasionally. Recently, they suspended him for a week and escorted him off the property after confiscating his badge, all because he wouldn't sign the new 2-5 notice.

 

[grgrcr88]

Sign these documents with the phrase "Under threat of termination" included next to your signiture. Even include the managers name that threatened you.

 

[LTFedExer]

OK, I agree. So FedEx should give everyone several hours to read the Employee Handbook on the clock before they are forced to sign a legal statement. Instead, they shove something at you at the end of a meeting and you legally obligate yourself by a quick signature that your manager says that you must sign. I know someone who refuses to sign things occasionally. Recently, they suspended him for a week and escorted him off the property after confiscating his badge, all because he wouldn't sign the new 2-5 notice.

You know as well as I do that 99% of the policies haven't changed in YEARS. The only thing you would need to know are if there are any changes, additions or deletions. New hires should be given a copy during courier class. I remember the teachers explaining the major policies (falsification, etc). Not sure they still do though.

 

[MrFedEx]

You know as well as I do that 99% of the policies haven't changed in YEARS. The only thing you would need to know are if there are any changes, additions or deletions. New hires should be given a copy during courier class. I remember the teachers explaining the major policies (falsification, etc). Not sure they still do though.

The policies may not have changed that much, but the emphasis on certain aspects of them has changed a lot. Why else would FedEx go to the trouble of repeating the same legal phraseology 4 or 5 times in a couple of paragraphs? There's a reason.

 

[LTFedExer]

The policies may not have changed that much, but the emphasis on certain aspects of them has changed a lot. Why else would FedEx go to the trouble of repeating the same legal phraseology 4 or 5 times in a couple of paragraphs? There's a reason.

Because some people just don't 'get it' unless you tell them more than once or that's how its done in 'legalese'.

 

[UnconTROLLed]

Just curious. Does UPS do the same thing? When I was there as a Feeder Temp, I never had to read anything, but I was only a peak employee.

ha. The only things we sign (hourlies) are our paychecks if necessary, as well as the DOT/MV record federal mandated stuff.