Insubordination
Insubordination is the act of a worker deliberately disobeying a lawful order. A lawful order is a directive from a legitimate representative of an organization, a person who has been designated as having the authority to issue the order, to a subordinate within the organization who is expected to carry out the directive as part of his or her duties within the organization. Refusing to perform an action that is not ethical or legal is not insubordination. Refusing to perform an action that is not within the scope of authority of the person issuing the order is not insubordination. Insubordination is typically a punishable offense in hierarchical organizations which depend on people lower in the chain of command to do as they are told.
On September 24th, 2000, David Whitney was issued a partial day suspension for his actions on this very day. That day, Whitney was heard saying," we have to get the shit out of the rack". Lester M. Coogan, Production Supervisor, approached Whitney after hearing the statement. Coogan talk to Whitney at an aisle where no other employees were present. He then proceeds to ask Whitney, if he used foul language on the loud speaker. After Whitney affirms, he then says," such language must not be used over the loud speaker". Whitney then said," why not "and continues to walk away from Coogan.
Coogan then follows Whitney as he walks; they stop in front an area where some workers are congregating. In front of fellow employees, Whitney wipes his eyes and says," you're breaking my heart". All the workers can concur what is going on. Coogan then told Whitney to clock out, and Whitney with no hesitation said," thank you".
Whitney's testimony says that after the statement, Coogan approached him and said," if you use foul language you will be sent home". Whitney then said," yes okay" and left to stop any further confrontation. Then Coogan repeatedly stated if you say it again you will be sent home. While in front a group of...
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