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Title: 82 year old WWII vet fired for saying "faggot"
Source:
NY Post
URL Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/ ... slip_at_MOZ5751swgmYDMmAS8SVWK
Published: Mar 7, 2011
Author: CHRIS ERIKSON
Post Date: 2011-03-07 07:39:04 by Happy Quanzaa
Keywords: faggot, fudgepacker, butt boys, butt buddies, bunghole boys
Views: 32638
Comments: 37
After 54 years working for American Airlines, Freddy Schmitt says he just wants the same thing the US Army gave him six decades ago -- an honorable discharge. Instead, the 82-year-old WWII vet was handed his walking papers after allegedly using a derogatory term for gays during a workplace bull session about "Don't Ask Don't Tell." The fact that Schmitt was defending gay soldiers' right to serve -- "Back then, a faggot coulda saved my life" -- hasn't changed the airline's decision. Neither has his blemish-free employment record, nor the pleas of former JFK co-workers upset over the axing of their buddy known as "Papa Freddy." Schmitt had little to say about the remark in December that got him fired last month as a ground-crew worker following a suspension and two hearings. He just wishes he could have stayed on the job until November, when he was planning to retire with a milestone under his belt. "It would look nice, going out with 55 years," Schmitt said. "After 54 years, all I want is to go out in good faith." Schmitt is appealing the termination through arbitration, but the process can take months, according to union officials. Nobody disputes that Schmitt -- a baggage crew chief -- used the term, or that the pugnacious Brooklyn native didn't exactly grovel with remorse when reprimanded by a supervisor. But the context should be taken into account, say Schmitt's former airline crewmates. "This guy is like everybody's father here," said co-worker Jack Sullivan, who said it hurts to see his colleague of 26 years tossed out. Under the terms of the firing, Schmitt retains his pension but loses his health benefits -- and the travel privileges his wife of 45 years, Viola, so enjoyed.
'Pink slip' at 82
Airline veteran's gay-slur remorse
Freddy Schmitt
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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 10.
#1. To: Happy Quanzaa, lucysmom (#0)
What that guy needs is a good union to fight for his rights.........
but the process can take months, according to union officials.
Like I said, he could use a strong union that puts the fear of God in employers who fire employees on whims. What happened to this man is exactly the system the Republicans advocate for - employers can fire or abuse employees at their whim and if employees don't like then they should quit.
Only 11.9% of the current labor force is union, so I guess you think the rest gets screwed over on a regular basis????? Is that correct??? I work for a private union and I can be fired at any time..... or should I say laid off.... In my union if you're a POS then you sit on the bench for a long, long time..... I don't have a problem with it because I do my job and help the company make a profit so we're both happy...... If I wasn't doing my job then I would expect to get laid off......
#11. To: CZ82 (#10)
Based on the decline in comparative wages these last 30 years all American workers are screwed over. Get used to being the richers bitches.
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#2. To: Godwinson (#1)
#5. To: A K A Stone, Happy Quanzaa, Rudgear, lucysmom (#2)
but the process can take months, according to union officials.
#10. To: Godwinson (#5)
What happened to this man is exactly the system the Republicans advocate for - employers can fire or abuse employees at their whim and if employees don't like then they should quit.
Replies to Comment # 10. Only 11.9% of the current labor force is union, so I guess you think the rest gets screwed over on a regular basis????? Is that correct???
End Trace Mode for Comment # 10.
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