Cog in the machine...

I get in this morning and start up the PC and go in to the Boss' office to see if there's anything "hot" from Friday (my NonStandard Rest Day) that needs to be worked. He looks up from his e-mail with this exaggerated shocked expression and informs me that Harry's resigned, effective immediately. I laugh and demand another fairy tale. Then he turns his laptop to show me the message from Mr Platt we got this morning, telling us that the Board demanded Harry's resignation because of a "relationship" he had with a subordinate.

"Guess you think he could use some union help, huh" the Boss grins, to SPEEA's Midwest VP. And the one-liners just kept on coming, all day long, from just about everyone I see.

"Looks like another round of Ethics training... this time from Dr. Ruth!"

"Harry's been *bleeping* employees for years; what's so special about this one?"

"Gimme that Employee Survey! Boeing's finally making appropriate changes to the business"

" Harry's already got another job: replacing Bob Dole as the spokesman for Viagra."

"Someone's resume now says 'served in various positions under Boeing's CEO'"


Later, after the laughter had subsided and my cynicism regained control, I marveled at the situation. I mean, I'm pretty sure that other employees who violate our Ethics code -- and I'm pretty sure everyone can see the ethics problems with this kind of supervisor-subordinate relationship -- ... ANY OTHER EMPLOYEE would've been "terminated for cause" rather than allowing them to retire at full benefits.

I guess it's good ta be da King.


-- Bill, who, as Harry's CR, would be questioning past practice in this reinstatement case...