What can we learn from our colleagues across the pond today?

There's a story floating around the press in Edinburgh, Scotland of a man who got fired from his job for calling in sick via text message. An employee tribunal (they have those there) has ruled the firing unfair. The big irony being pointed out is that about a year ago a woman in Wales had been fired via text message.

The woman was apparantly out sick that day with a migraine and had turned off the ringer on her cell phone. Her employer, anxious to give her the boot for a drop in her sales figures, couldn't wait for her to return to work the next day and sent her a text instead kissing off her job.

And I quote...

We've reviewed your sales figures and they're not really up to the level we need," shop manager Alex Barlett wrote in the message. "As a result, we will not require your services any more. Thank you for your time with us.

Source: ABC News

I don't know about the legality of all this on our side of the pond. I suspect it would depend on the state, the circumstances, whether a union is involved, all sorts of things but an obvious regard to simple human decency.

Stepping into the shoes of Miss Manners for a moment, let me say this about text messaging.

Text messaging is not the appropriate way to...

- fire an employee.
- or call in sick.
- or tell someone they've been denied a promotion.
- or they are only getting a 2% raise this year (but they're doing a great job, keep it up).
- or to tell your boss you've missed an important deadline.
- or to announce there will be no holiday party this year due to budget cuts.
- or to tell your boss, you've lost a major client.

Text messaging is appropriate...

- to send a quick follow up message regarding an earlier conversation.
- share a football score.
- tell your admin you're stuck at O'Hare and to please text message back if there's anything you need to know.
- to send a little "I love you" to your spouse, mistress, kids, etc.

In other words, use your head and not your thumbs.