Sunday, November 13, 2005
The Dastardly Deeds of the Diabolically Dense Dictator
Both Karim's parents and I had warned Karim that his last "two weeks" after giving notice in the Awful Hotel would be difficult and that his soon- to-be-ex boss would take every opportunity to make his life miserable. We were not too far off. However, Karim seems to take it all in stride, knowing full well that this man is more than ignorant.
Karim was telling me today that in his last shift, the "boss-man" told him that he could "die" when he was discussing whether or not he could go get a cup of coffee from the neighboring gas station. He has, in the last couple of days, rescheduled Karim for 7 days a week straight without reprieve, and he is not allowed to take breaks or lunches. He took away a coffee pot also, that has been used by the staff, and made television watching during the night shift not permissible. He threatens Karim with "calling the new hotel to tell them..." whatever he feels like whining about at the moment. It's a good thing that Karim didn't tell him the real name of his new job.
In the past, he has taken money from Karim by "claiming" that money has been missing from this or that, several times, not taking into account that he has made this same "claim" with several employees in the last six months or so. When money goes missing, Karim is required to fill out petty cash slips, so that it will look as if Karim has pulled an advance on his salary. Karim once told the boss that he didn't want to sign them and he was told that he would be fired if he did not! This last time, not only did he make Karim sign and promise to "repay", but he also conveniently "forgot" to put 18 hours on his paycheck...almost exactly the same amount as he claims Karim owes him. Karim explained that until that money was put back into his paycheck, his "charge" would not be paid.
The main reason that I'm "airing" this, is not necessarily for the amusement of my poor readers. Actually, I'm writing this as a form of record-keeping just in case this needs legal action, which is extremely possible. I have heard of many cases of people being fired for what is written in their blog, but what can Karim's boss do to him at this point? Fire him?
Karim will start his new job on the 23rd of this month. After that time he will not be responsible for the old position any further. I am anticipating that there will be issues with his last paycheck which should include three weeks of pay. I have the gut feeling that we will have to call the labor board to get it. That will not be the first time the labor board has been called on this man. (Nor the second, and I suspect not the third, either). There is, I understand, another outside legal action by a former employee against him. It's only a matter of time before the "boss" winds up washing dishes at McDonald's.
In my opinion, the meaning of "ignorance" is that one "ignores" reason and logic. Denial of one's intellect will cause downfall, as the bible says, "pride goeth before a fall." How interesting to watch as someone practices his ignorance so flagrantly, boldy flying his flag of idiocy for all to see, but, at the same time, so sad to observe how his ignorance affects those around him. Karim will come out on top. There is less than a week and a half to go on this job, and in the end, he will succeed beyond measure, climbing the ladder of importance where it is important, gaining knowledge, wisdom, and education. Next year, this will all be simply a vapor that has past. Where will his old boss be at that time? Sadly, enough, probably back where he started, which, if the truth be told, is more than likely why he treats Karim the way he does. He understands more than he wants to.
Karim was telling me today that in his last shift, the "boss-man" told him that he could "die" when he was discussing whether or not he could go get a cup of coffee from the neighboring gas station. He has, in the last couple of days, rescheduled Karim for 7 days a week straight without reprieve, and he is not allowed to take breaks or lunches. He took away a coffee pot also, that has been used by the staff, and made television watching during the night shift not permissible. He threatens Karim with "calling the new hotel to tell them..." whatever he feels like whining about at the moment. It's a good thing that Karim didn't tell him the real name of his new job.
In the past, he has taken money from Karim by "claiming" that money has been missing from this or that, several times, not taking into account that he has made this same "claim" with several employees in the last six months or so. When money goes missing, Karim is required to fill out petty cash slips, so that it will look as if Karim has pulled an advance on his salary. Karim once told the boss that he didn't want to sign them and he was told that he would be fired if he did not! This last time, not only did he make Karim sign and promise to "repay", but he also conveniently "forgot" to put 18 hours on his paycheck...almost exactly the same amount as he claims Karim owes him. Karim explained that until that money was put back into his paycheck, his "charge" would not be paid.
The main reason that I'm "airing" this, is not necessarily for the amusement of my poor readers. Actually, I'm writing this as a form of record-keeping just in case this needs legal action, which is extremely possible. I have heard of many cases of people being fired for what is written in their blog, but what can Karim's boss do to him at this point? Fire him?
Karim will start his new job on the 23rd of this month. After that time he will not be responsible for the old position any further. I am anticipating that there will be issues with his last paycheck which should include three weeks of pay. I have the gut feeling that we will have to call the labor board to get it. That will not be the first time the labor board has been called on this man. (Nor the second, and I suspect not the third, either). There is, I understand, another outside legal action by a former employee against him. It's only a matter of time before the "boss" winds up washing dishes at McDonald's.
In my opinion, the meaning of "ignorance" is that one "ignores" reason and logic. Denial of one's intellect will cause downfall, as the bible says, "pride goeth before a fall." How interesting to watch as someone practices his ignorance so flagrantly, boldy flying his flag of idiocy for all to see, but, at the same time, so sad to observe how his ignorance affects those around him. Karim will come out on top. There is less than a week and a half to go on this job, and in the end, he will succeed beyond measure, climbing the ladder of importance where it is important, gaining knowledge, wisdom, and education. Next year, this will all be simply a vapor that has past. Where will his old boss be at that time? Sadly, enough, probably back where he started, which, if the truth be told, is more than likely why he treats Karim the way he does. He understands more than he wants to.
