Posted on 02/12/2005 2:53:37 AM PST by TigerLikesRooster
Workplace romance 'under threat'
Passion in the workplace can take its toll on colleagues
Romantic liaisons between employees at work could soon be brought under tight control, according to the TUC. The trades union group has said firms in the UK are planning to introduce "love contracts" to tackle problems when workplace relationships turn sour.
Firms want to copy their counterparts in the US, where staff pledge to behave professionally if they become emotionally entangled, it said.
But such contracts could be in breach of the Human Rights Act, the TUC said.
Heavy handed
The contracts are designed to protect companies from the acrimonious fallout that can follow when workplace relationships come to an end.
However, the TUC said controls on the personal behaviour of employees would be inappropriate in the UK.
"It's hardly surprising that relationships do start round the water cooler, after all we work longer hours than anyone else in Europe," said TUC deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady.
"Of course, it is right to be careful and think through all the implications, but heavy handed rules and blanket bans fail to understand human nature and may very well be illegal."
The TUC said employees would have grounds for taking a claim for unfair dismissal if they were sacked for refusing to sign a love contract.
It is estimated that one in four relationships start at work.
You must be familiar with this. How do you feel about it?:)
Democrats believe only abortion and homosexuality should NOT be regulated.
First smoking in off-hours, now dating, what else? Are they going to start telling workers what they can wear on weekends?
This could go over big in Hollyweird where everyone is taking turns with everyone else.
Guess we'll have to fire a couple of couples if we're going to keep up with the Brits.
It will never work.
Regards, Ivan
Anyone with a bit of common sense wouldn't start a relationship with a work colleague.
Can you imagine having to work with a 'woman scorned' if it went sour? ;-)
We spend about 12 hours a day either at the office or on the way there. When are we meant to meet people?
No wonder our country's population is declining (when immigrant number are not included).
Back in the days when I was young and dumb....
Believe me I learned my lesson. It wasn't him so much as his next girlfriend who decided that her life would not be complete until mine was a living hell.
Fishing off the company pier is a bad idea.
As i understand it, this idea came from the US.
Also, employees have certain rights that cannot be signed away, thus making these "love contracts" null and void in the eyes of the law.
In the security business it is common to have a restriction that you will not fraternize with client employees.A retailer I worked at required married couple not work in the same department or be in a position to report to the other. That didn't stop a female department manager getting pregnant by her department stock handler;but since they weren't married it wasn't in the policy manual! Some times it may seem unfair,but there are good reasons for not getting involved romantically with co-workers. The long workdays of Americans certainly make it easier and tempting to meet someone at work. Still, if you own the business,feel free to marry your secretary. And when she stays home you best have a mature,unattractive replacement!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.