RE: no degree equals demotion

["Pete Sanborn" <psanborn2 -at- earthlink -dot- net>]

I don't want to proliferate a flood of "me-toos", but both Dick and Richard
are correct.  The reasons EP's manager gave for the action taken is without
merit and is probably actionable.  I agree that EP should be seeking a new
position and take their knowledge and experience elsewhere ASAP.  If EP is
working in the US, it might be worthwhile to file a complaint with both the
EEOC and the NLRB.

Essentially, the company is changing the rules in mid-stream after having
hired you and employed you for 4 years.  In order to justify this, they must
have a more compelling reason other than you don't have a college degree.
There is discrimination written all over this and you need to take action.
They probably want to make room for someone's brother or cousin in the
department and need to make a position by driving you out.  Whatever your
choice, do not jump at the first opportunity that comes along, but carefully
consider all options before making a move.  Start looking now and move at
your discretion, not theirs.

Also, after you leave, make sure we know who your current employer is so we
can avoid them in the future.

Best of luck.

Regards,
Pete Sanborn

-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-81537 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-81537 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com]On Behalf Of Richard
Weir
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 12:05 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: RE: no degree equals demotion





I 100 percent agree with you Dick but did not want to be the first person to
start this discussion off.

I would be looking to see if this is illegal. ie, a discrimination case. EP,
I really feel sorry for you, but Dick is right a new job maybe the best
thing to do you never know what the next ridiculous rule they are going to
bring in is. A Junior Technical Writers have to be under 25 years of
age!!!!!



-----Original Message-----
From: Dick Margulis [mailto:margulis -at- fiam -dot- net]
Sent: Friday, 7 December 2001 2:51 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Cc: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: no degree equals demotion


EP,

Normally, when I respond to someone on-list, I do the
bandwidth-considerate thing and snip unnecessary copy, like their sig.
But in your case, the sig raises an interesting question. You're
apparently working for a feminist, girl-power sort of outfit--people who
see themselves as cutting-edge, with-it kinda folks, right? But now
they're coming at you with this antediluvian policy.

I'm sorry, but that's just too weird. Someone in HR has to buy slightly
bigger shoes or something. I'm not sure there is anything you can
actually do about the situation in the short term, but when the economy
picks up in a few months, find yourself a better place to work. And tell
them why you're leaving.

On the other hand, if you have the kind of relationship with your
manager in which you can tell her what you think, you could point out to
her that modern companies evaluate people based on what they can do, not
based on their school transcripts. If she wants to keep you around and
she agrees with you, maybe she can lobby with senior management for a
recision of the new policy.

Good luck with this,

Dick


EP Leigh wrote:

>Recently my manager told me she had to submit job titles based on
descriptions that were given to her by HR. This is because our company is
going through a salary audit. She told me that because I don't have a
bachelors degree, I am being demoted to a Junior Technical Writer.
>
>I have been working at my current job for nearly four years. Three and a
half of those years I have had the title of Technical Writer. I have the
most seniority of anyone in my department. I have been seeking a degree for
some time and I am a junior, but being employed full-time does not allow me
to take as many classes as I would like.
>
>I am wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience. Because of
this title change I will not be getting the adjustment that everyone else
will receive.


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