TexasCHLforum.com

I work for a small oilfield wholesale business in a small town. We have customers coming in frequently. We are situated about in a DMZ between two hoods. And about a block from the bus station. Everyday a prison bus drops off parolees at the bus station. They tend to wander the streets until their bus departs. Often walking in to asked directions to the nearest convenience store or to bum a cigarette. Although, nothing has happened yet, you never know.

My employer, as stated in the employee handbook, has a no gun policy (victim policy) for the buildings and company vehicles, which I drive one to and from home and work. I go out of town in a company vehicle a couple days a week.

Also, there's no signage of any kind in or on the building, as far as non employees walking in carrying. Anyone can carry in except employees, go figure.

According to the employee handbook, I must choose between the right to protect myself and disciplinary action or possible unemployment. As we know, oilfield employment is getting a little sketchy at the moment.

I know this is my decision to make.

What is your opinion?

I would talk to my employer about the topic. If you decide to carry at work make sure you have proper gear and sufficient expertise with gear and gun.
BTW, welcome on the TX CHLForum.

Yes, talk to the owners. Keep it inquisitive, something you are wondering about, so as to see just how committed they are about it. Many times, those handbooks are bought from some provider, and are generic. The owners might not really care about it; it's just in the handbook.

If they DO care about it, proceed with caution. Think it over carefully.

If you are going to carry, get ample training, and lots of range time. Don't be a Fredo!

I would ask what the plan is to keep you safe since you honor their gun free zone policy.

This is going to be a slippery slope for you to navigate, Employee Handbooks are used as a CYA for the employers and their insurance carriers and many will not deviate from the written policy in writing. I would have some concerns regarding a verbal approval, say it today and deny it tomorrow scenario. How much does this job mean to you and your families well being? Like others have mentioned if you choose to discuss this with the executives then really think out how you want to approach it while remembering there could be other employees in the same location as you are (maybe the executives) who do not share your feelings regarding the safety. Personally I would never ask about a plan to keep me safe, you will immediately put them on the defensive and would not be a good way to get any changes made......

Good luck with your decision and please keep us posted

Did you sign anything indicating you have read the employee hand book?

Personally, in this situation, I would not talk to the employer and raise any red flags. I would not give them reason to post any signs.

Violation of company policy is not violation of the law since it is not 30.06 posted or the handbook does not contain the 30.06 language.

You risk only two things, getting fired for violation of company policy vs being an unarmed victim. Which do you prefer?

As far as private property rights, they can still ask you to leave or be arrested for trespassing ( the only possible criminal penalty in this case).

The handbook does not mention in any way 30.06 (owner is probably unaware of 30.06). It was handed out after several years of employment but before I got my chl. It does say no guns even with chl. I think talking to him would result in "what does the handbook say?" and that would be the end of that along with possibly being watched.

So, at this point, I am thinking "don't ask, don't tell." I just need to weigh out what kind of "disciplinary action" I may receive if found out. I feel that termination would not happen. Properly concealed, employer should never know.

I guess my biggest issue is having to choose between my right to protect myself and employment. And this is a rather large issue for me.

jed wrote:The handbook does not mention in any way 30.06 (owner is probably unaware of 30.06). It was handed out after several years of employment but before I got my chl. It does say no guns even with chl. I think talking to him would result in "what does the handbook say?" and that would be the end of that along with possibly being watched.

So, at this point, I am thinking "don't ask, don't tell." I just need to weigh out what kind of "disciplinary action" I may receive if found out. I feel that termination would not happen. Properly concealed, employer should never know.

I guess my biggest issue is having to choose between my right to protect myself and employment. And this is a rather large issue for me.

Remember that oral notice triggers TPC §30.06 and no special verbiage is required.

Chas.

jed wrote:I guess my biggest issue is having to choose between my right to protect myself and employment. And this is a rather large issue for me.

I have the same issue and concern. Employee handbook says "no guns" but it's not 30.06 and buildings aren't posted.

Not that this helps you in any way, just know that you have company.

Does the person who makes the real decision on whether or not you can carry work in that same building or neighborhood? If so, it might be easier to convey your sense of insecurity.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

jed wrote:The handbook does not mention in any way 30.06 (owner is probably unaware of 30.06). It was handed out after several years of employment but before I got my chl. It does say no guns even with chl. I think talking to him would result in "what does the handbook say?" and that would be the end of that along with possibly being watched.

So, at this point, I am thinking "don't ask, don't tell." I just need to weigh out what kind of "disciplinary action" I may receive if found out. I feel that termination would not happen. Properly concealed, employer should never know.

I guess my biggest issue is having to choose between my right to protect myself and employment. And this is a rather large issue for me.

Remember that oral notice triggers TPC §30.06 and no special verbiage is required.

Chas.

This would be a really good reason not to talk to them about this.

mloamiller wrote:

jed wrote:I guess my biggest issue is having to choose between my right to protect myself and employment. And this is a rather large issue for me.

I have the same issue and concern. Employee handbook says "no guns" but it's not 30.06 and buildings aren't posted.

Not that this helps you in any way, just know that you have company.

I'm sure there are a lot of people in this boat. What makes it worse is I drive a company truck, so I can't leave it in the truck in the parking lot.

Yes, owner offices in the same building.

jed wrote:

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

jed wrote:The handbook does not mention in any way 30.06 (owner is probably unaware of 30.06). It was handed out after several years of employment but before I got my chl. It does say no guns even with chl. I think talking to him would result in "what does the handbook say?" and that would be the end of that along with possibly being watched.

So, at this point, I am thinking "don't ask, don't tell." I just need to weigh out what kind of "disciplinary action" I may receive if found out. I feel that termination would not happen. Properly concealed, employer should never know.

I guess my biggest issue is having to choose between my right to protect myself and employment. And this is a rather large issue for me.

Remember that oral notice triggers TPC §30.06 and no special verbiage is required.

Chas.

This would be a really good reason not to talk to them about this.

If you don't bring it up, you can always feign ignorance later if should it come to light. Might just be a write up or a verbal warning at that point instead of your job if you bring it up and they stick by the policy.

jed wrote:I work for a small oilfield wholesale business in a small town. We have customers coming in frequently. We are situated about in a DMZ between two hoods. And about a block from the bus station. Everyday a prison bus drops off parolees at the bus station. They tend to wander the streets until their bus departs. Often walking in to asked directions to the nearest convenience store or to bum a cigarette. Although, nothing has happened yet, you never know.

My employer, as stated in the employee handbook, has a no gun policy (victim policy) for the buildings and company vehicles, which I drive one to and from home and work. I go out of town in a company vehicle a couple days a week.

Also, there's no signage of any kind in or on the building, as far as non employees walking in carrying. Anyone can carry in except employees, go figure.

According to the employee handbook, I must choose between the right to protect myself and disciplinary action or possible unemployment. As we know, oilfield employment is getting a little sketchy at the moment.

I know this is my decision to make.

What is your opinion?

Would Texas PC 52.062 apply to the OP category of work?