Scaffold piercing help!

Question

I have been told by a manager at work that I have to take my scaffold piercing out. I have not been told a reason other than he thinks it looks stupid that I have half a scrap yard in my ear (even though I only have the one piercing!!)

I have looked for retainers but can only find bars and don't think he'd be to happy about this! Could I get two that are like ear ring retainers for 1.6mm??

Also, there are many people at work that have different piercings and/or more piercings than I do but have not been told to take theirs out. Could I go to my union about this an say that I am being treated unfairly, as some people are allowed nose studs because of their religion, yet I was told to take mine out because I am not of that religion. Isn't that a type of discrimination as they are not doing it for health and safety if they can allow some people to wear it and not others! (I am not being rude against those who do wear it for thier religion, just making a point that if one rule is made for one, why is it not upheld for another?)

Anyway, any help on either would be most appreciated!

Answer 1

Hmm, this can be common in the workplace these days and I totally understand why you would be pissed off - I have piercings and tattoos, luckily nothing too visable at work but I do think your situation is discrimination and small-mindedness (although I can understand the work place's views too). A friend of mine has a sleeve tattoo on both arms and he has been asked to keep it covered at all times in his office, which he was pissed off about so I looked up the law on the internet and unfortunately it's a bit of a grey area at the moment!

It is out of order that your manager can make comments like the scrapyard one etc, they should be more careful and diplomatic about that.  Does your manager have a superior or do you have like  employee welfare people you can talk to to air your concerns?  I would take this route rather than go straight to the union.  Basically do everything you can in the work place to resolve it and try come to an arrangement where both of you are happy.  If nothing can be done, then speak to your union rep.

Answer 2

Ehhh.. work is fickle. Complain if you want? Though they might take it badly. Plenty of people have tried to make this point and failed... But you don't really want to work for someone who hates your guts, so approach it nicely.

Anyway, I use this stuff, with clear o-rings on the end.

http://www.bodyjewelleryshop.com/online_...

You can either have it as one long bar, or as two smaller ones for each piercing. If the piercings healed, then it should be fine. Its easy to use. Just cut it to size. and thread it with some balls, so the o-rings stay one. You can also use clear balls though.

For American... Try this? Will need smaller balls, cause they look stupid. But again, you can cut it to size.

http://www.bodyartforms.com/productdetai...

Answer 3

I had the same problem with showing tattoo's and piercings at work, do you have an employment contract? if so what does it say about piercings? i had worked for the company for 6 months when they asked me to remove my tongue bar as it was company policy i simply stated that it was pierced when they employed me and that they had not mentioned it previously. i refused to remove it as i worked in a call centre and no one could see it!

if you do not have a contract that states piercing are not allowed im pretty sure they cannot force you!

if i were you i would stand your ground...Good luck!

Answer 4

If other people have piercings then you can definitely look into discrimination. As you're referring to it as a scaffold I'll assume you're English so get in touch with your county council and see if they can point you in the right direction, you should be able to find some appropriate contact info through http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Director...

You can get yourself two separate retainers (I'd recommend labret retainers as they'll sit flush against your ear) so just head down to your piercer and, if they don't have any, ask them to order you some

Start docmenting everything piercing related that happens in your workplace (even if it's just jotting down the time and context of some snide comment your manager made) so that you can always back yourself up

Answer 5

If others are being allowed to wear piercings then it is clearly discrimination against you.  I would speak to your union rep.

Answer 6

Even though piercings (and tattoos) are becoming more commonplace, it is still a pretty grey area in work related situations. a lot of jobs frown upon it, particularly if you're working with the public, regardless of health and safety issues that may or may not be present.

Even though jobs are not supposed to discriminate, if they have a policy against piercings, you have to go with it. I was lucky enough to work out a deal with my bosses that I could leave a new piercing in long enough for it to heal, but after that I had to either take it out or wear a retainer. If there are people at your work who wear certain piercings for religious purposes, that is thier right and they can sue for discrimination, regardless of policies about piercings. For people who aren't of &insert name of religion here* its just a simple optional body adornment, so there is no special purpose for it and your job can tell you to not wear it.

any pair of labret style retainers should work fine for each hole in your industrial piercing. you can get them at most shops that sell body jewelry. you may also want to consider talking to a piercer in your area about what your best options are for wearing retainers.

Answer 7

That's unfair

why don't you explain to your manager that there is not rea\son for him to as you to take it out and that other emplemployeese piercings as well so why should this be anu different

if he still persists on tou taking it out try getting two sperseparates or rings to put in

if he still doesn't like the idea it i would go to your union  

Answer 8

I wouldn't tell him you're religion requires it but if he allows others to have piercings and wants you to take yours out that might be a union issue. I would talk to them.  

Answer 9

Wow, that does seem unfair. I've got two ideas: either tell him your religion requires it, OR explain your feelings to him about this. I think the second option would work out better. ;) Good luck, sweetie, I'm sure it'll turn out fine if you keep calm and just talk to him about it.

Answer 10

I have a scaffold piercing too and you can just put normal studs in each hole.

On the other issue, that seems DEFINITELY unfair if others have piercings too. He can't tell you to take it out without a proper reason. The best thing to do is speak to him again about it first asking for a proper reason - maybe an email or note if you feel awkward speaking to him in person. Point out the points you've made here too. If he still ignores you, then think about taking it further ...

Answer 11

http://body-piercing.jumora.net/retainer...

This site has a lot of different type of retainers for you to choose from. As for the discrimination...I don't think it would fly. They would claim dress code violation and there wouldn't be anything you could do about it. I know how it is though...I've been wanting to get my nose pierced for ages and my boss tells me no every time I ask.