Unacceptable or racism?

sadlersbitch · Post by **sadlersbitch** » 02 Mar 2019, 12:45

I’ve just done a conduct code case with a polish member, after the meeting the manager who took the meeting came ove and said “hello pole lover” I told him I found it unacceptable, is this racism? If so any advice on how to proceed?

Post by **ihatedogs** » 02 Mar 2019, 14:40

As an Eastern European I'm going to go with yes.
Any witnesses?

sadlersbitch · Post by **sadlersbitch** » 02 Mar 2019, 16:04

Yes one witness who is happy to put it in writing, i will meet with DOM on Tuesday and tell him I need it sorted if he doesn’t I will
I think it also shows bias in the conduct code case when the manager in question is supposed to be dispassionate it tells me he wasn’t the right man to hear the case

number one · Post by **number one** » 02 Mar 2019, 17:13

No not racist as it is an acceptable term to refer to people from Poland as Poles. Not very professional from the Manager though

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 03 Mar 2019, 05:05

number one wrote:No not racist as it is an acceptable term to refer to people from Poland as Poles. Not very professional from the Manager though

He didn't though he referred to the rep as a "pole lover" after he helped out a Polish member if that doesn't classify as racism by default, it 100% does qualify as Indirect racism.

number one · Post by **number one** » 03 Mar 2019, 07:46

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:
number one wrote:No not racist as it is an acceptable term to refer to people from Poland as Poles. Not very professional from the Manager though
He didn't though he referred to the rep as a "pole lover" after he helped out a Polish member if that doesn't classify as racism by default, it 100% does qualify as Indirect racism.

I suppose it’s down to each individuals feeling but I don’t consider it racist

Chalky13 · Post by **Chalky13** » 03 Mar 2019, 07:49

I’d question it’s racism directly, but it’s definitely not acceptable

gimba · Post by **gimba** » 03 Mar 2019, 08:15

Racism lol? you do realize Polish isn't a race

lambert246 · Post by **lambert246** » 03 Mar 2019, 09:22

I believe it would be more appropriate to proceed from a discrimination angle..
A polish employee could be discriminated against because of their perceived difference in racial and ethnic characteristics.
I would find the managers comment deeply insulting to that person and may reflect a predjudice they have against their Polish employee.
Even if it was meant as a joke or the not uncommon un-professional antagoniststic approach some managers use, it is bang out of order.
You could go down the grievence or B&H route.
Racism is better understood as discrimination on the grounds of predjudice due to a persons physical characteristics and ethnicity on their cultural ones.
Hope that helps.

Post by **pickles10** » 03 Mar 2019, 10:16

I believe it would be more appropriate to proceed from a discrimination angle

Everyone has prejudice its only discrimination if these are acted upon has this member of staff been treated differently to any else in his position.

Tman · Post by **Tman** » 03 Mar 2019, 11:21

Neither racism nor discrimination, but unacceptable language in the work place, and someone "should have a quiet word".
Constant claims of "racism" merely serve to down-play real situations of racism. "Crying wolf..etc etc"

yellowbelly · Post by **yellowbelly** » 03 Mar 2019, 14:40

gimba wrote:Racism lol? you do realize Polish isn't a race

In the eyes of UK law it is:

Equality Act 2010 - Part 2, Chap 1, Section 9:

Race

(1)Race includes—

(a)colour;

(b)nationality;

(c)ethnic or national origins.

yellowbelly · Post by **yellowbelly** » 03 Mar 2019, 14:48

IMHO rather than discrimination it could come under Harrassment under the Equality Act 2010, Section 26: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

26 Harassment
(1)A person (A) harasses another (B) if—
(a)A engages in unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, and
(b)the conduct has the purpose or effect of—
(i)violating B's dignity, or
(ii)creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for B.

....

(5)The relevant protected characteristics are—
age;
disability;
gender reassignment;
race;
religion or belief;
sex;
sexual orientation.

number one · Post by **number one** » 03 Mar 2019, 16:10

yellowbelly wrote:IMHO rather than discrimination it could come under Harrassment under the Equality Act 2010, Section 26: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

26 Harassment
(1)A person (A) harasses another (B) if—
(a)A engages in unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, and
(b)the conduct has the purpose or effect of—
(i)violating B's dignity, or
(ii)creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for B.

....

(5)The relevant protected characteristics are—
age;
disability;
gender reassignment;
race;
religion or belief;
sex;
sexual orientation.

Not for one comment

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 03 Mar 2019, 16:38

I am just amazed and saddened how anyone can just casually dismiss this.

He helped a Polish Person, then a manager called him in a derogatory manner a "Pole Lover". Please explain to this SJW snowflake (as no doubt some now consider me) how that couldn't be seen as offensive.