Dazed767 From United States, joined May 1999, 5064 posts, RR: 59 Posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 263 times:
I've got a problem and I need some help here. My gf works in entertainment for a certain theme park. As a character this time of year they are supposed to stay outside for 30 minutes in costume. Today she and another collegue found a safety sticker inside that says "Custome should not be worn for more than 20 minutes". She plans on reporting this to Human resources, and the safety department, but we need a letter. How should we write the letter (making it as professional as possible)? She's worried about losing her job, but I don't see how they could do that. Any tips would be great, thanks.
LH423 From Canada, joined Jul 1999, 6501 posts, RR: 61 Reply 2, posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 240 times:
Do you know a lawyer? It would definitely help if you knew a lawyer who has first-hand knowledge of the law, and also wouldn't mind drafting a letter (using his/her office's letterhead) to write to the company. That would definitely look official and properly worded and such.
Also, maybe try and find a law on the books yourself. Is the label one put in by the company your girlfriend works for or by the manufacturer of the costume. If it's the former, then the company is in violation of their own guidelines. If not, it could just be a recommendation by the manufacturer and therefore not hold much weight, as the manufacturer has more to lose if they got sued by someone.
So, I'd find out. If you want to draft a letter yourself, buy a nice piece of standard paper, go to a website that will tell you how to form a business letter and articulate yourself clearly. State your concerns, and offer suggestions on how to remedy the problem.
LH423
« On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux » Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Bmi330 From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1448 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 235 times:
Basically right a formal letter explaining that there is a label in the costume saying that its only meant to be worn for 20 minutes at a time and not the 30 they are asking for but be careful to word it in such away it is not accusing them or can offend someone and there should be no problems. They cant dismiss her as that would be illegal as unfair dismissal but be careful not to offend or any them or that ma cause problems cant stress that enough.
MxCtrlr From United States, joined Nov 2001, 2485 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 229 times:
I would state something along the lines of:
Current employee safety guidelines permit castmembers to be outdoors, costumed, for no longer than 30 minutes. When putting on the [insert name here] costume, I noticed a manufacturer's warning label stating "Costume not to be worn more than 20 minutes." Since the costume manufacturer has set a higher guideline than company policy dictates, I am certain that the manufacturer's guidelines, with regards to the wearing of this costume, should be followed.
At the same time, I would contact the manufacturer of the costume and get their data for determining the 20 minute figure. You might even want to wait until you have that information from the manufacturer, so that you can include their findings in your letter to the theme park management.
Hope this helps. Also OSHA may be able to lend some assistance in this matter. If you need a good arbitrator, I know a good railway labor act arbitrator, who may know someone who could help you. Let me know if you need the help.
MxCtrlr
Freight Dogs Anonymous - O.O.T.S.K.
DAMN! This SUCKS! I just had to go to the next higher age bracket in my profile! :-(
EA CO AS From United States, joined Nov 2001, 9884 posts, RR: 73 Reply 5, posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 211 times:
To: Director, Human Resources
From: XXXXXXXXXXXX, Theme Park Character
Please find the attached copy of (company policy letter) dated (XXXXX). The directive on this letter indicates that employees are required to remain outdoors in costume for a period of no less than thirty (30) minutes.
It has come to my attention that the safety information provided by the costume manufacturer advises that the costume be worn for no greater than twenty (20) minutes; well in excess of the company's current policy.
The company's guidelines may need to be revised to better fit with the manufacturer's recommendations for safe usage.
I would like the opportunity to discuss possible revisions to this policy in the interest of providing a safe work environment for our employees.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXX
cc: Director, Safety Department
attachment
How about something like that?
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
Dazed767 From United States, joined May 1999, 5064 posts, RR: 59 Reply 7, posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 168 times:
VERY good start, that's something I could work with. I am going to see if there is an 'in-house' lawyer type guy who deals with problems like this. Thanks for the help so far guys, much appreciated!
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