Is it discrimination? Tattoo policy change. Very serious PLEASE help if you can.?

I was hired into a top worldwide hotel chain over 3 years ago and made the agreement to remove my earrings and shave. I agreed to that and was told that my tattoos were not a problem. I have 2 tattoos on my forearm and my last name around my wrist. A year into my employment the General Manager changed and for the last 2 years there hasn't been an issue. I was informed today that all "offensive tattoos" must be covered by long sleeves. I am the only one affected by this policy change. There are others with plenty more tattoos than me but they are not in the public eye and do not have to follow the policy. There is another person who is in the public eye in my department with tattoos on his forearm and he does not have to cover his. I have been singled out for this change and do not believe my tattoos are offensive at all. The men I have worked with for the last 3 years had to ask to see them today. What should I do? Is there anyone I can contact to ask or somewhere to get information?

Also an "Only males must remover their earrings and tuck their hair in their shirt" policy was put into effect. Should I put my earrings back in? By the way I have no parents, Mom Died along time ago and Father is in prison. Ive been on my own since I was a teenager. Im one of the best employees they have and was one of the first to get the employee of the month when they started that program.

If they are offensive like a swear word, the finger, a naked lady, etc. then it is not discrimination but if the rule is being pointed out to you but you do not fall under the offensive category (your last name certainly isn't offensive) then it is. Ask the management and contact the board for better business about the regulation change and situation. Look it over carefully before you make a fuss publicly. Do your company policy homework and ask the other person with visible tattoos to compare offensiveness. There may be a reason you are being "singled out" by the new standards. Hope you get it figured out!

-I wouldn't call yours offensive because they aren't racists, sexist or inappropriate to the general public. I know they make wraps that breath and can cover tattoos, the people working at costco have to cover tattoos and the guys walk around with blue like sports wrap sleeves all the time. It's worth looking into since wearing a long sleeve shirt isn't a likely choice.

There are no laws protecting people with tattoos. Your choice is to follow the policy or work elsewhere. Remember the warnings your mom gave you about tattoos? This is why.

unfortunately your employer can tell you how to dress. you will just have to roll with it, or get another job.

What kind of tattoo's do you have on your forearms?

it is not illegal to discriminate based on tattoos. you are also not entitled to fairness. basically your option is to get another job and i suggest it. conditions change all the time, policies change and employees have to adjust. if you have a labor union you could try that route - file a grievance. but honestly even though you are being discriminated against you have no legal recourse because it's not something employers and not allowed to discriminate on the basis of.

Contact your EEO officer IMMEDIATELY. This definitely sounds like discrimination and they have to back you up. Try your Union Officer also (if you have one)

Best of luck to you.

If they put that in place for all employees, then ALL employees have to follow it. They cannot pick and choose which ones have to cover them. A company policy is a company policy. Look up labor laws in your state. Just google "labor laws in TN" for example. You can always go to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission), but don't do that if you don't want to start a big stink because they WILL investigate if you file a complaint. Or, call your state labor board. Either way, you better be ready for a big "stink". :)

You cannot claim discrimination. Discrimination is only considered in race, creed, age........
Part of the problem is that you are in the public eye. The company can change the policy, and they can ask that you change accordingly. However, you do have something to stand with regarding this other person that is in the saem area s you. You can mention that and if or when it comes to any further actions, you have some ammunition if this goes to labor, or unemployment boards.

I guess some people who are narrow-minded and don't like other people putting what they want on their own bodies would have problems with seeing your tattoos. I do not think that your tattoos sound offensive and I think that if you have to cover your tattoos, then so should all the other employees also, whether they're in the public eye or not. As far as getting information, I don't really know how to help you there.

The word 'offensive' makes it difficult to enforce.

You might ask the supervisor to evaluate the definition, and change it to read 'all tattoos' for 'all employees facing the public'.

It is unlikely that they will allow you to display your tattoos, but the policy could be enforced so that both/ all employees must cover tattoos.

Whatever you do, remember that refusing to follow a policy that is in writing can cause you to be terminated. Decide whether your choice to display tattoos is worth your job. It is not a *right*, it is a *choice*.

You have a right to GET a tattoo, not to display it. If your choice of appearance (hair color, facial hair, jewelry, tattoos, etc.) are 'a distraction', or 'make employees or guests feel uncomfortable', it is considered a fireable offense.

Well.. here's the problem. You state you are the ONLY one affected by the policy change. Well.. unless you know every person at every location through out the world, you really can't make that assertion. As for the 'other person' there, I would imagine that his circumstances may be different and/or he may have other options and/or might be 'pushing the rules' to see if he get's fired or may have already quit and just waiting out the 2 week notice time period. One can never apply their employement situation with another employee unless you know EVERYTHING about the other's situation and employment contract agreement.

Now... here's something else to consider. Employment is a 'free will' thing. That is to say, it is the employer's option to hire and fire as they see fit. If they want to fire you, they can do it anytime they want. That being said, you need to consider if you really want to work there or not. If not, the just continue doing what you are doing ... but.. start looking for another job. If you do want to continue to work there, then you must comply and you CANNOT concern yourself with what is happening with the other employees.

Hope this helps!

As much as it sucks...you just kind of have to take it. I'm in the same boat where I have an ivy vine tatooed just below my elbow, and I have a professional job where I always have to keep it covered. You and I decided to make ourselves a minorty in the workforce, so we just have to conform to a certain extent. It's great to be proud of your artwork, but there are times where you just have to cover it.

What kind of tattoos do you have on your forearm?

You have to know that when you get tattoos in visable places that it probably wont be accepted by everyone you encounter(neck face and hand tattoos especially).you made the decision to get tattoos there im sure you knew it may be an issue one day.

Big deal.Wear long sleeves.Take some midol and relax.Quit whining "wah wah they are picking on me" deal with it or get a new job. simple.

ask your manager why the other guy doesn't have to cover them up. Look back at your employment contract....does it state anything about tattoo? What so bad about covering them up anyway?? I had a tongue piercing at school and they told me if i didn't take it out that I'd be expelled.... they are just rules, you'll have to stick to them. They just want you to look presentable to give a good impression to the customers. For example its like going into a strip club and one girl is fully dressed...people didn't pay for that, its the same as you working a posh hotel people didn't pay to see a guy with tattoos- they paid to see presentable staff. I know most customers probably won't even be bothered by the tattoos but its just principle.

It's society that's causing them to follow this rule of people with tattoos are bad. I don't blame you for being mad but do these tattoos and piercings make you look intimidating. I would follow the rules if you need the job but you could try and find another one.

I used to work with a manager who's arms and back are covered in tattoos, drives a BMW and looks very conservative. I ran in to him outside of work and found out about his tattoos. He's a project manager for an oil company. He has to conceal them because society thinks "bad people get them"

read your Human Resources policy very closely. if you still believe that you are correct, speak to your HR Manager. there is an appeal process that you must follow before any decisions can be made legally.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that judges by the exterior. Tattoos, piercings, haircuts, choice of wardrobe are ways of rebelion so you see everywhere people fighting against that judegment. Still a guy with tattos up the whazooo can be an actor, singer, comedian, etc and make millions, and still us the working people have to take other people's sh$t.

Its not discrimation because you are working in a hotel enviroment which is all about looks. you accepted to follow the policies and rules of the company when you signed the contract. So; you can: write a letter to whoever writes the policies and explain to them how this is going to affect your work performance (heat stroke). Talk to your immediate supervisor about this, if nothing happens keep going higher until something moves. If it doesnt, whether you stay or quit at least you did something about it.

Im not too sure about the states, but in Canada, this is most definitely discrimination. If you were hired as is, they cannot impose new rules on you, and only you. They must be across the board rules that apply to EVERY employee. And the men only having to remove thier earrings is discrimination as well. If the women are alllowed earrings, the men must be as well. You should contact your local human resource centre, they will have up to date literature on such policies. And in most work places, offensive is considered racist, sexist, vulgar or violent. You are being discriminated against, and it is not right.

Well i feel that its discrimination, you can look on-line for your local "labor and relations" contact personnel. If u have to cover your tattoos so should everyone else. and if earrings and long hair are allowed for women they should be allowed for males as well. at most they should only ask u to tie it back if its past the shoulder. As long as Ur tats don't depict any violent, lewd or sexually explicit themes then they should not be considered offensive in anyway. If its a question of professionalism then it should apply to ALL employees who are in view of the public at any time. As far as the Christmas issue i would remain quiet on that, u yourself are looking for a certain amount of tolerance so to speak, so i would remain open minded and set a good example. Whats considered acceptable for one should be acceptable for all. That's only fair and reasonable so if they are going to enforce it upon only one person then i feel that is considered discrimination and should be dealt with. So i would attempt to reconcile the issue w your employers and if that fails i would contact "labor and relations" as well as the "better business bureau" and file complaints against the company in question. Your company should also have a human resources department available at a CORPORATE LEVEL (the ones at your specific location may be bias) that u can contact to handle issues as well. Best of luck...

Are you a native speaker of English锛焜ust ask

Nothing you can do. You should have thought about the possible negative implications of getting your tattoos in visible locations before you got them.