As you all have seen, I have had my dreads for going on 3 months now. While I never heard a peep out of anyone before now, it seems to now be a problem in my workplace. Apparently we have had a customer or two come in with complaints to my manager. One said that I "look dirty" and it's reflecting on the store. While that is a load of crap because I do my makeup and keep my hair pulled up nicely every day, it's still become an issue for me because now my boss is trying to make me take them out. Here's my problem: This is personal. As you all know, dreads aren't just a fashion issue, they're a lifestyle. My dreads may not be completely rasta, but they're very very spiritual. To me, this is similar to shoving a chicken sandwich down a vegetarians throat. I decided to stop harming my hair by using all the chemicals and such that they put in shampoo and styling products. I stopped brushing my hair to keep from ripping my hair to shreds and this is what my hair did. I've been looking up some information, starting with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Just having a hard time finding where else to start when approaching this. I just don't feel like this is right. After learning what I have and having as strong of a stance on it as I do, I'm not going to go down without a fight. I mean, it's a gas station I work at for christs sake. There's no reason for this. Help? Please? Links and suggestions would be forever appreciated.
that's what I said. I'm probably one of the most put together people that works there. Makeup every day. I updo my hair. It's seriously a load of crap but now I have to fight it. I just don't know exactly how to approach it.
They can't like make you take them out though can they? I'd quit right now. Straight up. You don't need to work for people like this. Or maybe you do need to, I dunno your money situation but... you shouldn't have to. Most my guy friends has long hair and they're always looked at as unprofessional in their work industry, well that's what a few old chicks think. But it's 2012, doesn't matter what you look like anymore. Grrr makes me angry! -stomps-
Working at a gas station...WTH!!! If anything, you are most probably making them look good...sounds like you keep yourself put together well, wearing make-up, wearing your dreads in an updo. I'm with Irminsul. Grrr makes me angry, too! I know it is according to what kind of state OH is if the employer can put pressure on you to change...like SC is called a "no-fault" state, meaning the employer can fire your butt for literally NOTHING, and that is fine - but you do get to draw unemployment, and they can't penalize you when they fire you for nothing. But still...that sucks. Since it is a gas station, they can't act like your hair is gonna get in their food. I have no links...but I wish you luck in this, and hope OH is not a no-fault state. As long as you are on time, and bla bla, I don't think they can make you do anything. I would suggest start looking for another job, and when you get one (not if ) just don't show up. To hell with giving notice. I am not young anymore and the way that employers treat their employees in general - AND get away with it - make me want to vomit.
As part of most contracts, there is a clause included that states you must keep respectable dress and hygiene and unfortunately that is up to the managers discretion. As a member of the staff your image reflects the company, the same as the product displays and paint colour. Best suggestion is talk to your boss and explain how you feel and if in serious worry plead the fifth...... and by that i mean declare yourself rasta. It is illegal to discriminate due to race or religion and as part of the rasta religion no comb is allowed to touch your hair... making you cut your dreads would be the same as making a Muslim women remove her Burka.
It still amazes me how people "care" and are worried about stuff that has nothing to do with them. Especially when these "society fathers" stuck their noses into everything, feeling the need to tell, in your case, your boss how he should manage his coworkers. This exact type of people is always "offended" by something, tend to think very much of themselves and think their opinions are very important.
Talk to your boss - explain it all & reinforce that you *do* wash them! Also ask what you can do other than taking them out - I tend to say to potential employers that I have no problem with covering them during works hours so sometimes I wear a hat or a scarf. My old boss really hated my dreads. She hated them even more when I dyed them bright blue.
I could also claim myself hindu. I plan on writing a detailed letter to my boss, her boss, and the owner basically telling them exactly how I care for my hair (including the fact that my hair is probably cleaner than theirs) and how personal this is for me. The chemical and physical damage that "normal" hair care is simply something I do not wish to do. The only thing our dresscode states is "tasteful hair" And this is tasteful by design. They don't see that because they're ignorant to the subject. They don't understand them and legally must at least tolerate it. I keep my hair neat and in an updo and I do my makeup every day. There is no reason that they should have any of the preassumtions that they're trying to push on me. I simply don't see a reason why this should be such a problem when I am not dirty.
One thing that really annoys me, is when one person can claim exemption from something due to religion/ faith and another can't. Don't let them get you down!
i wanted to let my hair dread years ago!! how ever i worked as subway, and although my boss did not have the courtesy to tell me herself i heard from many others including her daughter that she was unhappy about the idea and didnt want me to do it. now i work for myself and i have started dreads .. the stigma behind them is ridiculous! and people can be so so rude! im not sure if you employer can "make" you take them out but they can certainly make life hard and put a lot of pressure on you. i am very sorry for your situation and i hope it turns out in your favour! im sorry people around you are being so ignorant and rude!
