Bosses Fire Worker Who Posted "Dilbert" Comic Strip

[tv star collector]

Beware!
You can lose your job for posting a Dilbert comic strip in the office.

A Fort Madison man who posted a "Dilbert" comic strip on an office bulletin board has lost his job for implying his bosses were a bunch of "drunken lemurs."

According to state records, David Steward worked for Catfish Bend Casinos in Burlington for seven years, most recently as a security supervisor.


On Oct. 27, shortly after company officials announced that the casino would be closing and 170 workers could be laid off, Steward posted a "Dilbert" comic strip on an office bulletin board.

In the strip, Dilbert and another character are shown having the following exchange:

"Why does it seem as if most of the decisions in my workplace are made by drunken lemurs?"

"Decisions are made by people who have time, not people who have talent."

"Why are talented people so busy?"

"They're fixing the problems made by people who have time."

Shortly after the comic was posted to the bulletin board, managers at the casino reviewed surveillance tapes and determined Steward was responsible for the act.

At a recent state hearing dealing with Steward's unemployment benefits claim, the casino's human resources director, Steve Morley, testified that "upper management" at the casino found the cartoon to be "very offensive" and fired Steward as a result.

"Basically, he was accusing the decision-makers of being drunken lemurs," Morley testified. "We consider that misconduct when you insult your employer."

[catlover79]

Ay carumba!!

[dawsongirl]

They're closing the casino anyway...so let's pay this guy unemployment.

He was right...they are drunken lemurs.

In another article, it said he was just trying to give people a laugh, considering the circumstances. I think his bosses are a tad sensitive.

[ComedyGuy]

I love the Dilbert comic strip as Dilberts company is run just like the company I work for and just like they way my company runs all of its stores.

[Janice]

Freedom of speech does not apply to the workplace, or is severely limited. Everything you can use that belongs to the company, be it the phone (voicemails), computer (e:mails) can be legally looked at by the company. We used to get memos all the time, stating this. I worked in corporate for years, and we weren't allowed to hang up anything, much less anything trashing our bosses. No soliciting at most companies either, and that includes selling Avon. You can find yourself in hot water for giving a compliment on a co-worker's clothing.

If a person wants to work for a company, they have to abide by their rules whether it's a dress code, internet use, your time, whatever. If they don't like those rules, work elsewhere. A person is also free to start their own company, and where they can ignore the "jokes" made at their expense.

[Dean Winchester]

I think all arrogant, no-sense-of-humor ***** bosses should be tied down and forced to watch Office Space

[junecleaver]

Originally Posted by tv star collector

"We consider that misconduct when you insult your employer."

So i guess its not considered misconduct when you insult your employees by making them all lose their jobs.

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by Dean Winchester

I think all arrogant, no-sense-of-humor ***** bosses should be tied down and forced to watch Office Space

or even better the very worst episodes of "The Pruitts of South Hampton"

[Janice]

Originally Posted by junecleaver

So i guess its not considered misconduct when you insult your employees by making them all lose their jobs.

Actually, when a business folds, and people lose their jobs, they shouldn't feel insulted. It's nothing personal, and certainly not misconduct on the employer's part. Places go out of business all the time.

[*Happy Face*]

But why fire someone over a posted comic, It's not the person himself
said it, What's wrong a little humor now and days?

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by Janice

Freedom of speech does not apply to the workplace, or is severely limited. Everything you can use that belongs to the company, be it the phone (voicemails), computer (e:mails) can be legally looked at by the company. We used to get memos all the time, stating this. I worked in corporate for years, and we weren't allowed to hang up anything, much less anything trashing our bosses. No soliciting at most companies either, and that includes selling Avon. You can find yourself in hot water for giving a compliment on a co-worker's clothing.

If a person wants to work for a company, they have to abide by their rules whether it's a dress code, internet use, your time, whatever. If they don't like those rules, work elsewhere. A person is also free to start their own company, and where they can ignore the "jokes" made at their expense.

Of course you're right but if I were the bosses I would have called the guy in and had a serious talk with him and find out what's really bothering him--and if it happened a 2nd time I might give a formal warning. I personally thought their response was harsh, but it is, after all, their company. Hwever, posting a Dilbert comic at work is not smart, esp. what was posted. I'd never do it. It's defintely not PC!!