911:: Radio's at work

[Guest guest]

I have no problems with radios, or TV programs at work. To me as a

supervisor, whatever keeps my people content and alert during " slow " periods

is just fine with me. I don't watch or listen, as I have supervisory duties

that keep me moving along. I do occasionally break to check out a program if

it interests me, or the news. HOWEVER ......

An incident about a year ago comes to mind as I read this thread. We are

union, and our shop steward is one who likes to ride the line between right

and wrong. He brought his personal " portable-shelf system " into work and

began listening to jazz music at his console, which is fine so long as the

volume is low enough so he may hear transmissions, and the radio is muted

when he is transmitting or on the phone. The problem comes to surface when

he decided to start wearing headphones!!!! This is not a typo folks, he

actually wore headphones! Only for a few minutes I must say, because as

soon as I saw it, that was the end of that. I cannot believe any dispatcher

would have the audacity to put music headphones on when the job requires

listening and transmitting information over the radio.

I instantly banned personal audio/visual devices, pending further

research (deciding how to regulate usage). He grieved it of course, and won,

but with stipulations. Personal audio/visual devices ARE permitted at the

consoles, but with the volume/muting regulations I spoke of earlier. He

touts it as a Union Victory ... but in the eyes of his co-workers, he

appears the fool for even testing those waters. His co-workers are also a

little disappointed in him for causing the temporary " entertainment

blackout " .

Some people just never cease to amaze me with their logic.

J. Fred

Salem County NJ