length of hair at work

I work for a large international hotel/casino corporation in Atlantic City NJ, but am covered under a collective bargaining agreement with the HEREIU (local 54) here in AC. I know in the employee handbook (which I'm sure I agreed to sign when I was first hired) states the appropriate length of hair for men/women employees, as well as other dictations about jewlery, size shape and amount of that is allowed, etc. Can my employer actually control the length of hair of it's employees and the size and type of jewlery one wears? This seems to me a gross enfringement on my rights.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cdjhsr:
I work for a large international hotel/casino corporation in Atlantic City NJ, but am covered under a collective bargaining agreement with the HEREIU (local 54) here in AC. I know in the employee handbook (which I'm sure I agreed to sign when I was first hired) states the appropriate length of hair for men/women employees, as well as other dictations about jewlery, size shape and amount of that is allowed, etc. Can my employer actually control the length of hair of it's employees and the size and type of jewlery one wears? This seems to me a gross enfringement on my rights.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

Do you REALLY want to get into the hastle of a First Amendment (Freedom of Expression) situation with your Union and Employer? It seems to me that if it's not a part of the collective bargaining agreement, or if the handbook and its conditions are a part of, and reflective of, that agreement, then you don't have an argument. What does your Union Steward say about the issue?

IAAL



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I am the shop steward! I/we signed and agreed to the rules listed in the employee handbook which all new hires are shown at orientation. I'm sure the union will say it was part of your agreement when you were hired to abide by the rules in the employee handbook. I just don't think it is right, and of course would like-but cannot afford to get into a first ammendment issue with a milti-billion dollar corporation.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cdjhsr:
I am the shop steward! I/we signed and agreed to the rules listed in the employee handbook which all new hires are shown at orientation. I'm sure the union will say it was part of your agreement when you were hired to abide by the rules in the employee handbook. I just don't think it is right, and of course would like-but cannot afford to get into a first ammendment issue with a milti-billion dollar corporation.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


My response:

We all want to do certain things, and not be constrained by certain rules. Your company is a "microcosm" of society. Like your company, there are certain laws in society that none of us like, yet we are compelled to follow them, and abide by them, in order to remain functional in society and for society to, itself, remain functional. Your company sees itself in a certain light, and wishes to convey that to the public. You have an absolute right NOT to like or even abide by the company rules; however, like society, when we don't agree with the rules or laws, there are various consequences we also must be willing to accept and endure due to our "dislike." You can stay and fight the rule and hope to win at the next contract signing, or you can quit - but, if you violate the rules, you know what the consequences are - firing. You do, in fact, have choices.

IAAL



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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."