Somewhat hypothetical situation

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This hypothetical is the movie version of a real situation; things changed to make it more interesting. Please no comment on the politics the situation.

Bob, a 50 year old white man, is a manager of the cleaning crew of Widgets, Inc. Chris, a 50 year old black man who works for Bob, shows up for work in an “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt (no official uniform or dress code). Bob tells Chris the shirt is inappropriate for work and he should change. Chris refuses, so Bob sends him home for the day (unpaid). A few days later, Tom, whose shift included the weekend, quits. Bob rearranges Chris’ schedule so Chris is now covering weekends (Chris liked having his weekend free). Chris goes to the HR for Widgets, Inc with a grievance against Bob and makes noises about a lawsuit, specifically racial in nature. Bob doesn’t know about this. You like and respect both of them, and have a good working relationship with them both but no real close personal connection.

Say you work with both Bob and Chris (but in another department - no political repercussions from Bob)…
and you overhear Chris venting about it all to his buddy. Do you tell HR? Do you tell Bob?
and HR wants to ask you questions about the situation (you were there) and about Bob and Chris. Do you cooperate?
and HR wants you to be their “spy” and report what you see of their interactions. They promise it will be completely confidential and you will be “rewarded” for your efforts (no specifics). Do you cooperate?

2

I start looking for a new job, because this will end badly for everyone.

And I warn Chris that HR is out to get him since he brought a grievance.

And I suggest that HR make a formal policy banning a t-shirts with slogans.

3

I’d give Bob a quick head’s up, especially if I learn of the formal complaint.
The existence of the complaint means Bob really, really should have been notified that HR had gotten it.

Then I’d find another job where back-stabbing was a bit less obvious…

4

I’d give Bob a heads up on what I heard.

I’m assuming Bob told HR why he sent Chris home without pay and hopefully HR and Bob are on the same page.

If HR asks questions I’ll let them know the facts which means that what I think or my opinions don’t get involved. I’m not going to go to Chris and try to get more information though.

5

I wouldn’t say anything to Bob or Chris since I work in a different dept and it’s none of my business. If I worked in their group, my answer might be different.

I’d answer HR’s questions honestly but I wouldn’t spy. In fact, I’d start looking for another job - who wants to work in a place where HR won’t deal with personnel issues directly??

6

This, Especially those last two sentences.

Life is too short for that nonsense.

7

HR is there to protect the COMPANY, not you, not Bob, not Chris. You are not involved in the situation. Stay out of it and MYOB.