Straight from the old policy manual... Would you?

[5thGenTexan]

"the following are examples of infractions of rules that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination"

"Possesion of dangerous or unauthorized materials , such as explosives or firearms and other weapons, in the workplace."

As I am fully capable of safely handling a firearm after 45 some years of of shooting rifles and pistols I don't consider a handgun dangerous and the state of Texas has "authorized" me to legally carry said handgun where ever it is not expressly prohibited by law or posting. I would logically argue that I am not in violation of said company rule. No way do I ask for a clarification the NO word would remove any ambiguity from the rule.

Knowing the liberal bent of the area of the country that the company is based in, I would most likely draw a couple of days suspension if I were outted for carry in the office but the only way that should occur is...

A. I out myself by disclosure. (not going to happen)

B. I drop one of my babies or my cover reveals. (not likely)

C. I have a medical emergency heart attack or stroke. (possible given the propensity of certain idiots to screw up)

D. I have to use the weapon to safe guard my own or another life. (worth a few days off w/o pay if they were to dare on that one)

That is the only mention of weapons in the 45 page handbook and it appear extemely amibiguous. Never read the whole thing before or would have already made the choice to carry. The only reason I knew it existed heard someone complaining to a vendor that she didn't like having to disarm, building is not posted so customers & vendors can and do carry. Amazing how much better I have become at spotting these things especially the thicker double stacks and larger frame revolvers.

Any other thoughts

[TraCoun]

... Any other thoughts

A couple thoughts in the form of a couple questions:

1. If you lose your job, how long can you go until you find another one?

2. How long will it take to find another job?

Thanx,
TraCoun

[TraCoun]

[quote="5thGenTexan"] ... Any other thoughts

Sorry, I should have said this one earlier:

Do you know that in Texas they don't have to give you a reason, they can simply fire you ( in general).


Thanx,
TraCoun

[WildBill]

Knowing the liberal bent of the area of the country that the company is based in, I would most likely draw a couple of days suspension if I were outted for carry in the office but the only way that should occur is ... Any other thoughts

Company policy regarding weapons rarely have much room for interpretation or flexibility in enforcement. IMO, regardless of the area of the country, you would most certainly be fired. Please reread TraCoun's posts.

[karder]

I think you might have a tough time arguing that a firearm is not a dangerous weapon. If this is simply a small notation in the employee handbook, just plead ignorance if you ever have to draw your weapon. You just say, "HR never said anything about not carrying weapons" and play dumb. They may get you on the employee handbook thing, but I think you can point the finger at HR for not making it expressly clear.

My workplace has the same clause in the employee handbook and a gunbusters sign, but no 30.06. I just carry anyway and no one knows any better. If someone comes in here shooting, I will be less worried about company policy than survival.

[KD5NRH]

1. If you lose your job, how long can you go until you find another one?

2. Do you believe in reincarnation? It's the only way you'll get a new job if you need the gun and don't have it.

[C-dub]

It may not be dangerous, but it is still unauthorized. Sorry.

[WildBill]

1. If you lose your job, how long can you go until you find another one?

2. Do you believe in reincarnation? It's the only way you'll get a new job if you need the gun and don't have it.

To answer the original question "Would You?" My answer is "No."

It's all about making choices. By accepting employment at your company you agreed to abide by their rules. That means you agreed to follow all of their rules: Policies concerning drugs, alcohol, sexual harassment, sick leave, vacation, company travel, medical insurance, and well as dangerous weapons.

To claim that a handgun is not a dangerous weapon or to try to convince yourself that you would get suspended rather than terminated, or that you "logically" talk your way out of the whole situation by claiming that you didn't understand company policy is just plain ludicrous. If you don't want to abide by their rules find another employer or start your own CHL-friendly company where you get to make the rules. Either that, or be realistic and accept the consequences of what is most likely to happen if you don't follow their rules and get caught.

[Stupid]

You guys do realize that you are talking about committing a crime here. By Texas law, if the company policy manual says so, you simply cannot carry at workplace. It's pretty cut and dry.

[TraCoun]

1. If you lose your job, how long can you go until you find another one?

2. Do you believe in reincarnation? It's the only way you'll get a new job if you need the gun and don't have it.

You're absolutely right in the ultimate scenario. But there are a lot of other things that could happen that could get the CHL holder 'outed'. I was only pointing out some thoughts to consider.

Thanx,
TraCoun

[Keith B]

You guys do realize that you are talking about committing a crime here. By Texas law, if the company policy manual says so, you simply cannot carry at workplace. It's pretty cut and dry.

Unless it is in the written form of 30.06 in the manual or verbally told to you, then it is not a violation of the law. You can still be fired.

[dicion]

You guys do realize that you are talking about committing a crime here. By Texas law, if the company policy manual says so, you simply cannot carry at workplace. It's pretty cut and dry.

Unless it is in the written form of 30.06 in the manual or verbally told to you, then it is not a violation of the law. You can still be fired.

Fired, but not arrested.

[mctowalot]

Your comments please!
Say a CHL holder's company prohibits carry, and something happens (mugging, assault, whatever) that had the victim had his or her weapon could have prevented this him or her being harmed...
Life time supply of office supplies or what?
(Assuming the victim survives)
In my layman eyes it's the company's fault...eh?

[Keith B]

Your comments please!
Say a CHL holder's company prohibits carry, and something happens (mugging, assault, whatever) that had the victim had his or her weapon could have prevented this him or her being harmed...
Life time supply of office supplies or what?
(Assuming the victim survives)
In my layman eyes it's the company's fault...eh?

There has never been a test case that I am aware of, so hard to tell how a judge and/or jury would rule.

[5thGenTexan]

Thanks for the input. As far as how long would it take to land another job. Thanks to the reputation I have within the industry the longest it has ever taken including last January has been 30 days. How long could I last 18 months without, doing some light weight fill in work of some sort or selling some investment properties. Yes I know Texas is an at will employement state. I am aware that losing the job is a strong possibility if I do decide to press the issue, and I have been considering looking for another job or taking my grubstake to start my own business, due to totally unrelated issues.

I've never intentionally broke company policy before and probably won't now. Just wanted to see where my thought process might be too far offtrack. Sometimes you just have to bleed off some steam and see what other thoughts are out there before you do something that you really know won't fly. Pretty sure if I were my director I'd fire me for insubodination if caught.