:: rawblogXport ::

:: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 ::

Rules vary on profanity in the workplace - By Laura Elder, KHOU, TX
Puccetti might have learned the art of the expletive from sailors and longshoremen, but some say those traditional fountains of salty speech are drying up.

“I don’t think anybody should be subject to that kind of language,” said Benny Holland, general vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association. Holland spends more time in an office than on the docks. But when he’s out there, workers keep it clean, he said.

About 12 years ago, the union adopted rules allowing longshoremen to file complaints if anyone uses profanity against them, Holland said. One issue is that more women work on the docks, he said.

Such complaints are rare, he said. But if longshoremen are found guilty of violating rules, they risk being suspended for 30 days.

Holland said he thinks society should have tighter standards.

“I’ve got three daughters, and I don’t want to go to a place to eat and shop and hear the F-word,” he said.

posted 6:44 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

-------------------------------------------