June 2007
WIN AT WORK MONTHLY
A Community Service of SESSIONS & KIMBALL LLP, Employee Rights Attorneys
Win at Work	Employee Rights Update
WORKER BEES We should all be like worker bees. Thousands of years ago, Aesop praised both the ant and bee for their industry, perseverance, and foresight. The Bible commends the ant which, “having no guide, overseer or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” It is interesting that neither the ant nor the bee are dependent upon the labor of other species. However, while the ant benefits only itself, the bee’s labors benefit many. In diligently gathering their nectar, they also unwittingly pollinate beautiful flowers and produce tasty honey. The bee and its beehive home symbolize a life of meaningful and rewarding work. What about us? Work is so much more tolerable and even enjoyable when we feel we are contributing to a greater good beyond ourselves. We should all aspire to be the worker bees of the world, who make it a better place.	CONTROL FIRING AT HIRING As any competitor knows, setting the rules should come before playing the game. Employers may think they establish all the rules in an employment situation. After all, they write the application, offer letter, and employee handbook. During employment, employers may even change the rules and then discipline you for violating them. They can essentially act as judge, jury and executioner in firing you. They may think they hold all the cards, but you hold a few trumps of your own. You can actually make many of your own rules when you’re being courted for a job. You then have the power to negotiate discipline criteria, the term of employment, or severance pay. If they want you, they will be willing to bend. Assert yourself while you can. Cry “foul” if the rules are unfair. The best defense is a good offense. The worst they can say is “no.” Use your hiring to control your firing. Play your game! Don D. Sessions, Attorney
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