My ecig caused a huge crapstorm at work.

[Chevyguy]

I work for a very large corporation , I work with an old guy that has like 40 years in. I vaped around many foremans, asked a couple of them if they mind, and they all said no. One of the general bosses saw me using it, he never flat out told me that I am not allowed to have it and what will happen to me if I don't stop. he just said I don't know about that and I wouldn't do that if I were you. I live in a state with a smoking ban, but the ecigarette is not covered under it, and I have never been made clearly aware of any company policy against it's use. I stopped using it inside for a while until the other day I ran into my committeeman and asked if there was a company policy against ecigarettes, he said no not that he is aware of and to continue using it and if anything happens he will fight for me. So I went ahead and started using it again, another reason I made that decision is that the boss who advised me not to use it because he wasn't sure isn't even on my shift anymore. Then today, my partner at work almost crossed the line between hitting me and tapping me on shoulder (meaning pretty hard tap) and said hey go outside with that" I said "nah I don't think I am going to do that, i'll take my chances and see what happens.

So at the end of the shift he is talking to the boss (one who didn't have a problem with me using it before), and I can't hear what they are saying but I have a good feeling they are talking about me because they are both looking at me while they are talking. So after they are done talking, I asked my partner "Did I do anything to piss you off", and he just went off on me, which totally shocked me because I have worked with the guy for about 2 months and we have gotten along pretty well since then. So basically the union is going to have a meeting on monday on whether or not it is or isn't allowed. But I think there is going to be more involved to it if I win. (Like a total snitch fest on every little thing I have said or done that doesn't even involve the e-cig if he doesn't win). So I think I am going to lose either way. At the end of the shift he told me "I know you are young and hard headed and you are going to do what you want, I used to be like that to, but have some respect for what the man told you about using that thing in here." I didn't say anything but what a friggen joke, like he follows company policy to the book..

What a mess.

 

[DaMulta]

I hope the upper people smoke, and or otherwise I don't see you winning this fight.

Hope the best too you, but some people just don't want it around them.

 

[Jmsdvs]

Crazy story, but I say stick up for yourself. Your partner is obviously in it for himself it looks like and will turn on you in a heartbeat. Just do what you do, keep tabs on him if he decides to point out every little thing. Good luck!

 

[Chevyguy]

Crazy story, but I say stick up for yourself. Your partner is obviously in it for himself it looks like and will turn on you in a heartbeat. Just do what you do, keep tabs on him if he decides to point out every little thing. Good luck!

I am going to move to another area as soon as possible. But until that can happen, he just brought out the @$$hole in me. There may be no more going to lunch and home 5 minutes early, his radio is suddenly going to annoy me and that may to have to go as well. All depends on what all is said and goes down monday.

 

[DaMulta]

I would print out a list of all the things PG is used in, and then tell them how you will save them money by not taking smoke breaks.

Make it clear that the air is cleaner while you vape Really I don't see the big deal about vapping anywhere. It's not like it really bugs anyone, and if they can smell it a little. It's not as bad as a woman's perfume in the air.

 

[Chevyguy]

I would print out a list of all the things PG is used in, and then tell them how you will save them money by not taking smoke breaks.

Make it clear that the air is cleaner while you vape Really I don't see the big deal about vapping anywhere. It's not like it really bugs anyone, and if they can smell it a little. It's not as bad as a woman's perfume in the air.

I don't really want to say where I work, because I don't want it to turn up in google searches and have this traced back to me, but look at my name for a hint. In a company that huge, they don't care what I have to say. I think they will look at what the law is (that is a win for me) and also whether it causes problems with other employees, which in the case with this ....., it does. People have used them in other departments, and I never heard of them getting into any trouble for it. This guy may just end up ruining it for everybody.

 

[the86d]

It is an inhaler.

The angle of disallowing inhalers at work could be argued, then it would be prescription only.

If they ever had a fog machine at ANY function (Halloween) might help...

 

[skeetr]

My biggest complaint is when someone realizes that there are no homemade cookies availabe.

 

[clyde2801]

You'd think everyone there would be doing....their jobs. People having enough excess time and attention to devote on something other than their jobs is NOT a good sign, for them or for the company.

Your partner may be, let's face it, a male sexual organ. There's bound to be a few dysfunctional people in your workplace; millions of people read Dilbert every day for a reason.

OTOH, if this becomes a big stink and the company decides to ban e-cigs, you and your ego will have a part to play in that. And with the economy in the state that it's in, I wouldn't do anything that would jeopardize my job or my opportunity for career advancement.

As for retaliations, such as finding your partner's music objectionable and asking him to turn down his radio, you may find yourself going down a path that will end in being miserable every minute you are on the job.

And I would think especially long and hard about pulling the reverse race card. Think you're in a crapstorm now? Pull that and see what happens.

 

[AmyB66]

Honestly dude, I don't know why you are pushing the issue. Go outside with it. I still do. Jobs are tough right now, why push loosing a good job.
Company policies are different from the laws and insubordination is just that, regardless of what is right or wrong. I see folks getting canned for a lot less these days.

Go to work, do your job and do what your bosses ask. Even if it blows. You stepped on toes, maybe they won't can you for this but should you make a mistake down the road, it might just be the excuse he's looking for to send you off.

Just my two cents.

 

[Chevyguy]

And I would think especially long and hard about pulling the reverse race card. Think you're in a crapstorm now? Pull that and see what happens.

I know that, I'm not that stupid, that was my personal opinion, not a personal defense I planned on using even for one second.

 

[Chevyguy]

Honestly dude, I don't know why you are pushing the issue. Go outside with it. I still do. Jobs are tough right now, why push loosing a good job.
Company policies are different from the laws and insubordination is just that, regardless of what is right or wrong. I see folks getting canned for a lot less these days.

Go to work, do your job and do what your bosses ask. Even if it blows. You stepped on toes, maybe they won't can you for this but should you make a mistake down the road, it might just be the excuse he's looking for to send you off.

Just my two cents.

I am aware that company policy and the law are two different things, I am trying to find out from someone who has actually heard of an e-cigarette what the company's policy actually is towards them. If they are against the rules, then I have nothing else to say.

 

[FrogHat]

Hard to tell were this one will go.....Good luck,

 

[HzG8rGrl]

You know if you hold the vape in, nothing comes out on exhale.

 

[PlanetScribbles]

No way would I concede that i'm wrong when I know i'm right.
Hold your ground on what you know is right. It is your partner who is being the a$$hole, not you.

 

[tarheeldan]

Not a fun situation, I hope it works out ok.

I was wondering, shouldn't company policy documents be made available to employees online? I'd do some digging to figure whether or not the e-cigs are included or not, either specifically or by verbage.

Second, it sounds to me like your partner is trying to tail on that particular supervisor's success by buddying up. Sounds more like a career-motivated move than racial, besides being a common factor between the two people.

Definitely come prepared. Can you have the different foremen / bosses you asked and said it was ok or didn't mind speak up? Maybe compile documentation about PV's that
a) clearly distinguishes them from cigarettes in function and odor
b) highlights safety-related evidence thus far (PG, nic, reduction in # of chemicals b/c no combustion, etc.)

Never been to a meeting like that so I've nothing to add on other aspects. Good luck!

 

[Chevyguy]

Not a fun situation, I hope it works out ok.

I was wondering, shouldn't company policy documents be made available to employees online? I'd do some digging to figure whether or not the e-cigs are included or not, either specifically or by verbage.

Second, it sounds to me like your partner is trying to tail on that particular supervisor's success by buddying up. Sounds more like a career-motivated move than racial, besides being a common factor between the two people.

Definitely come prepared. Can you have the different foremen / bosses you asked and said it was ok or didn't mind speak up? Maybe compile documentation about PV's that
a) clearly distinguishes them from cigarettes in function and odor
b) highlights safety-related evidence thus far (PG, nic, reduction in # of chemicals b/c no combustion, etc.)

Never been to a meeting like that so I've nothing to add on other aspects. Good luck!

He is retiring within this year, so I doubt he cares about getting ahead.

 

[Tiger]

I believe you are in the right on this on, you did ask your boss, and he didn't have a problem with it. Yes you will have to see what the outcome is of the meeting, but if you get a say, educate them on what it is and what it does. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

 

[tarheeldan]

He is retiring within this year, so I doubt he cares about getting ahead.

I stand corrected. Hopefully the rest of my post was somewhat helpful and, in any event, rootin' for ya.

 

[ddavelarsen]

You'd think everyone there would be doing....their jobs. People having enough excess time and attention to devote on something other than their jobs is NOT a good sign, for them or for the company.

Your partner may be, let's face it, a male sexual organ. There's bound to be a few dysfunctional people in your workplace; millions of people read Dilbert every day for a reason.

OTOH, if this becomes a big stink and the company decides to ban e-cigs, you and your ego will have a part to play in that. And with the economy in the state that it's in, I wouldn't do anything that would jeopardize my job or my opportunity for career advancement.

As for retaliations, such as finding your partner's music objectionable and asking him to turn down his radio, you may find yourself going down a path that will end in being miserable every minute you are on the job.

And I would think especially long and hard about pulling the reverse race card. Think you're in a crapstorm now? Pull that and see what happens.

This strikes me as very wise. I'm trying to put myself in your position and I think what I'd do is just ... go outside. I know the weather sucks and all, and it's inconvenient, but you might also turn other smokers on to our healthier alternative. Or at least get to talk about vaping.

I've been exceptionally fortunate at my job; coworkers have noticed that I'm vaping at my desk, my boss is willing to let it be, and I've gained about 20% more working time because I no longer have to go to my car to smoke. But I know not everyone is that fortunate, and some day HR is going to get wind of my vaping (I'm the only person among the 900 working in this building who vapes) and then we'll see what the bureaucrats have to say... Preparing for that day I've collected all the articles I could find describing the health benefits of vaping; all the studies for successfully quitting smoking, etc. When they come up with some kind of argument against it I'm going to politely ask them to become informed before they make a final decision. Honestly - anyone who truly cares about other's health can only find e-cigs a good thing.

Hang in there, man. Just keep your head down, swallow the bile, and move on as best you can. Try not to hold any grudges against your partner; good vibes come back good. Just my .02. Vape on!