Job Discussion Forums

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

My wife works a couple of mornings a week in a coffee shop. Today the boss told her to take off her wedding ring!!!!!!!
Apparently as, and I quote, " a customer would't want to drink it." Well, duh! Exactly how it would end up in the customers cup escapes me, but there you have it.

maya.the.bee · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 118 Location: Stgo

I guess it depends on how big the stone is. I wouldn't want to drink it but I wouldn't mind finding it.

It might also be that your wife's ring is loose and needs to be resized. Rings should slide over the last knuckle easily but there should be resistance taking it off. And if her position requires handling any chemicals (cleaning) she should remove any rings/bracelets.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Are you sure he is not implying he wants someone single and "available" to be working there?
That is a really stupid comment IMO. I too would take offense if it happened to my wife.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I think I'd want to pay my wife's boss a "visit" if thet kind of order was given to her, but I think that over here, we have to alter our expectations a little. In my experience, bosses tend to be worse here than in North America, as far as what kinds of things they think they can tell their employees to do.
I just asked my wife what she thinks of this, and she doesn't think it's unreasonable, so there it is!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Personally, I think his request is stupid, and that for some twisted reason he just wants her to appear to be single.

It is fairly common for working women (and men) not to wear their wedding rings in Japan, so let it go at that.

If he or customers start hitting on her, put it back on.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

Thanks to the person that mentioned his wife*s view. It didnt appear as if he was hitting on her as there is no other behaviour to go with it. I guess that it is just company policy.

J. · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 327

Since when is it okay for people's rights to be denied because it's "company policy". If I were your wife I would just say that I preferred to wear it as it was part of my agreement with my husband, or something similar. Probably any excuse at all would be okay, since the request was made with such a ludicrous comment. It's none of the boss�s business, plain and simple. As for the bosses being worse here, well if you never stand up for your rights, then you won't get any. Surely a part time job can't be so important as to lower your dignity to keep it.

Big John Stud · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 513

[quote="sidjameson"]Thanks to the person that mentioned his wife*s view. It didnt appear as if he was hitting on her as there is no other behaviour to go with it. I guess that it is just company policy.[/quote]

I have to pretty much agree with sidjameson, and with all do respect let the MO know most of the other post are from guijin still living in their own culture.
I don't remember one time seeing a wedding ring or any kind of ring on a staff at any Starbuck or restaurant.
The manager probably meant nothing by his comment except for stating policy. Wife doesn't like simply quit!

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

One of my students is a clerical worker (ie "office lady") for the Chiba Police. A few months ago, when there was the big bruhaha over government workers driving while drunk, her boss issues an order that no employee of the Chiba Police could consume alcohol outside their own home! Anyone caught breaking the rule would be subject to termination!

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826

Nagoyaguy · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 425 Location: Aichi, Japan

littleturtle · Joined: 31 Oct 2006 Posts: 24