Work discrimination

**Douglas Bryant** · 25th January 07, 09:10 AM

I have just been told by the director of my company, that kilts don't represent the image of the company I work for, so I shouldn't wear one.

I work in the main back offices, the hq.
There are trainings which take place there, as well as meetings with our sales advisors. I work in IT, in Programming, I have no contact to the customers.
I do use the same enterance though and have been seen often, on the way to and from my office.

I work, in Germany in Hamburg.
He also mentioned, that people would think that I am strange and also "Homo", this was said in German, but the Translation is accurate.
He states that it is not "Normal dress wear and should not be worn to work.

I said quite clearly that I disagree, but that I would do as requested.
So tommorrow I will be forced against my wish to wear trousers.

I wish to make a complaint, and ask for a written statement from my company.

This will of course endager my job, which is insane, but I am not going to let someone tell me I can't wear a kilt, I have seen members of the royal family wearing them, it's isn't uncommon at weddings.

I have no interest in conflict, can anyone suggest a solution?

I wear simple plain utilikilts, in beige or brown to work, with a jumper or TShirt, I don't swagger or boast, or make a big deal out it. It's just my clothing.

Sincerely

Douglas

**mddock58** · 25th January 07, 09:19 AM

Basic first advice is to find out exactly what the written policies of your company are in regards to a "dress code", both for men and women.

We all have opinions, but must keep to the policies of this forum.......

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**cessna152towser** · 25th January 07, 09:52 AM

What management fail to appreciate is that workers perform best when they are dressed comfortably and not forced to wear the company "uniform". This is a point which might be worth explaining to this guy. I'm amazed he's risen so high in the company when he's obviously so naive. It is unfortunate that he makes a link between the kilt and homosexuality. If he is saying in effect that the company doesn't want to be seen to employ homosexuals he could be guilty of discrimination. Having said that, earning the daily bread is the most important. Although I mostly wear a kilt for work (I'm self employed ) there are occasionally pieces of business to attend to which I consider better to do in trousers.

**Dirk Skene** · 25th January 07, 09:56 AM

Work & worship are the only 2 places I am not kilted. While I can understand your wanting to be kilted 100% of the time for practical as well as fashion reasons, I'd say pick your fights wisely. This one you can't win. Things may change in time. You never know.

Peace bro.

**Rigged** · 25th January 07, 10:24 AM

The best I can offer is to have photos on a screen-saver showing guys wearing kilts in all kinds of situations. It's a non-confrontational way of showing kilts as normal clothing. That approach has gotten my boss and a couple of co-workers on my side of the kilt issue.

**ozmeath** · 25th January 07, 10:26 AM

Personally, I would look into the national policies and as C152T said, those of the company. It may well be cultural discrimination. But I'm no expert on these things. Of course if you start making waves there's ways of your bosses giving you trouble as well. I'd sugges a "reasoning" with your boss and find an understanding, preferably a mutual one.
Good luck mate.

**McMurdo** · 25th January 07, 12:24 PM

I would echo the advice of finding out exactly what is written in your companies dress code, learn it so that if you do wear the kilt in again and your manager says anything you can quote it, and let him know that wearing a kilt is not aganst company policy. Good luck.

**Douglas Bryant** · 26th January 07, 05:03 AM

Thanks for the suggestions.
I am going to have a meeting, with the personal department, and discuss it with them, I think it is attacking my identity and the value of my culture to state that kilts, aren't acceptable. Which is a bit extreme, but it does feel that way.

**ardchoille77** · 26th January 07, 05:33 AM

It is a hard line to walk, about self-expression or your job. Like others have said in this forum, you have to pick your battles wisely. However, maybe after discusing it with your employer and the company, check with a lawyer and see what your rights are. This is no different than people that are Jewish wearing a yamulke to school on Passover. It depends on how much noise you want to make about it, but you have to see how far you are willing to go, and what sacrifices you are willing to make.

I admire your courage and conviction.

Best of luck with everything

"S Rioghal Mo Dhream"

Mike

**RockyR** · 26th January 07, 07:15 AM

The thing that's been pointed out when you use the "it's the same thing as a jewish person wearing a yamulke" argument or the "muslim wearing the full body and face covering garb" (sorry... don't know the name of the garment) is that those 2 examples use religion, where the kilt is just an example of cultural clothing.