I was on the phone with a coworker and made an offensive comment about a fellow employee. I was not aware that I was on speakerphone so I was heard by that person. I was going to be fired but now I am going to be placed on a final written warning. I need to know if my action warrants this punishment, especially since my conversation was meant not only to be private, but was broadcasted without my knowledge or consent.

This is one of those situations where I wouldn't sit around looking for an "out". I'd try to make it right.

Have you apologized to the person who you made the offensive comment about? Have you apologized to anyone for your actions?

I might be reading too much into this, but if you're being put on FINAL written warning what else have you done to get you to the point where this is your final chance?

Taking responsibility for your actions will gain you more respect in your employers eyes than spending your time trying to figure out how you were wronged by the man.

You state you are on final written notice not fired, so I guess you have to make sure your speakerphone is off next time. Or, next time you will be fired, I imagine.

You had better keep your nose clean and don't make uncalled for comments about coworkers.

I was on the phone with a coworker and made an offensive comment about a fellow employee. I was not aware that I was on speakerphone so I was heard by that person. I was going to be fired but now I am going to be place on a final written warning. I need to know if my action warrants this punishment, especially since my conversation was meant not only to be private, but was broadcasted without my knowledge or consent.

Unless you have an employment contract you can be fired at any time for any or no reason if you are employed in the US.

As pointed out, unless you are covered by an employment contract, you can be fired for almost any reason.

That being said, I would think it rather harsh to fire you for a private comment you made, even if it was broadcast.

One should remember the old adage; If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything.

They do not need to notify you or ask you to be put on speaker phone. Most people can tell if they are on it from the background noise. But yes, if you said something bad about a co-worker to someone at work, even if on the phone, they can fire you if they want.

Tickle - he was on the other person's speakerphone. I hate it when it is not announced "you're on speakerphone" when I call someone or they call me. That's sneaky. You assumed that your conversation was private. I'm thinking that the company is "fishing" for a reason to dump you. Even after you apologize for your comment, just remember in the future to never talk bad about another fellow employee as you never know just who is listening. It's not easy to keep stuff like this to yourself and comments (words) do hurt another person's feelings. Depends on what you said and how the other person took it as well. These days you can't just go calling coworkers bad names.

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Originally Posted by vrho

I was on the phone with a coworker and made an offensive comment about a fellow employee. I was not aware that I was on speakerphone so I was heard by that person. I was going to be fired but now I am going to be place on a final written warning. I need to know if my action warrants this punishment, especially since my conversation was meant not only to be private, but was broadcasted without my knowledge or consent.

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Please don't keep posting the same question - asked and answered on both sites. Should be combined.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vrho

I was on the phone with a coworker and made an offensive comment about a fellow employee. I was not aware that I was on speakerphone so I was heard by that person. I was going to be fired but now I am going to be placed on a final written warning. I need to know if my action warrants this punishment, especially since my conversation was meant not only to be private, but was broadcasted without my knowledge or consent.

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I agree with everything my colleagues have said. I cannot speak for anything but the legal profession but this lack of good judgment would get you terminated in every firm I ever worked in or managed.

There is too much very personal info floating around to take a chance on an employee who may not be discreet.

And it's employment at will - you can be let go for anything if you don't have an employment contract.

I don't know if the person who was on the receiving end of your comment is requesting that you be wrriten up or if it's management's choice. You can always apologize but I think what's done may very well be done.

Threads merged. Please don't ask the same question in multiple forums in the future.