I learned something today.
As I arrived at campus I saw the College Occupational Safety officer. I asked him if I was to be fired today for not showing proof of vaccination. He did not look happy today. I really like the guy. I should not have asked him the question. He didn't want to make a statement and said something about choosing to violate policy and I told him to have a nice day.
My supervisor told us all thanks for turning in our information. I had my medical exemption rejected since I made it up myself and probably signed it Dr. Doolittle.
I asked him if I needed to clean out my locker as I had not turned in proof of vaccination. I cleaned out anything that I wanted haul home in June) He said no and laughed (as he does when uncomfortable) and said he didn't think anyone was being fired.
Later I found out my coworker's long appeal for a religious exemption was most likely approved.
I also heard there were no plans to fire anyone after the deadline.
I know a few people quit.
So...
My personal theory is that no one would commit to a final solution so they just had no plan other than a deadline. I have observed our general level of incompetence for quite some time so this pretty well fits into my understanding.
However, voluntary resignations would help the budget process. It was pointed out to me that a delay in hiring replacements and then offering those positions for less pay and reduced benefits. That amateur HR ploy also appeals to my understanding of how the University works but the only person diabolically clever enough to actually come up with a plan just moved on so I see that as a stretch.
This is what I learned. This is the 21st Century. This is no longer the age of "why can't we all just get along," or "live and let live," or "make sacrifices for the good of the whole."
Nope, First of all extreme positions are the best. Then hold your extreme position regardless of opposition. Third, don't resign in protest! Either work slow and screw up the works or let them fire you and sue. They will settle.
In the end I turned in my booster card a few minutes after the deadline and I hate myself for doing it. I was listening to people talking about the non-mandate-mandate and decided that I was investing way too much emotionally in my job. My University is totally and completely getting what it is paying for and if I just look busy all day I am never going to have to trim that 300 feet of arborvitae that I have been avoiding for three years. And my supervisor just called me into his office after break to tell me I can take time off when ever I want to visit my friend on hospice.
Mediocrity may actually just be the pinnacle of success. No stress, not much pay, decent insurance, and a minimum of retirement. Setting high standards is way overrated!
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Overall it sounds like a good day at work.
ReplyDeleteMy University didn't come up with a mandate at all; We actually got our hand slapped by KC when they found us not wearing masks. I did get the shots however when the federal mandate may have been implemented. I don't worry about it; if they had had to fire those that didn't get the shot, my department would not have gone on, shoot the majority of the college might have shut down. Anyway, my God is bigger than a shot, so I got it to ensure my department can continue, side-effects will be dealt with later if necessary. We need another dedicated grounds guy, care to move to Missouri?
ReplyDeleteThis guy's blog is a good read: This is what I learned. This is the 21st Century. This is no longer the age of "why can't we all just get along," or "live and let live," or "make sacrifices for the good of the whole."
ReplyDeleteSo how do we move from the positions of extreme division? How do we raise the bar on discussion, dialogue and compromise? This week I'm really annoyed at the truckers shutting down commerce...because they are drinking the Steve Bannon laced Kool-Aid. Have a nice day.