P.J. Denyer
Penultimate Amazing
I don't see this as comparable for several reasons
Firstly, you say it was an occasional duty, presumably it was not stated in your job description in the same way that drivng a bus would be for, oh I don't know, a bus driver? We can debate how great an accomidation was made for you and I will agree that this point isn't black and white.
Secondly, your degree of participation would have been greater and the outcome certain, by ordering the rats you would have caused their deaths in a concrete way. Had you included clearing up afterwards it would have included handling them and if you were not warned that this might be part of the job then I would understand your desire to not participate.
Thirdly, after discussing it with your Head of Department you apparently didn't feel the need to absent yourself for the rest of the day.
Finally, you didn't (presumably) go to the media and tell them how shocked and horrified you were that the school and pharmiceutical company were doing this.
HR issues are rarely clear cut and it is always a good thing when employers try to be flexible. For what it's worth I actually think the bus company handled the issue correctly so long as the other bus drivers and passengers don't suffer distruption or inconvenience as a result of his preference and that if his preference cannot be accomidated he will do his job.
However I think that making the comments he has in the media goes beyond what is reasonable, he, as an employee of the company is making negative comments about one of the companies customers in the national media. In my company that would be a sacking offence.
Oh, and also, I like rats, have three of the little buggers! Can't say I'd have wanted to do that particular job much either...
. If I was a believing Christian, and a resident of Britain, I'd suggest to my priest we do something like that.
