ODFL | Open Door Policy

socaldriver

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I wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has used the open door policy and if anything meaningful results. I have contemplated using it but because my allegations are so serious and damning regarding a particular manager, I fear that if my story is not taken seriously and fully believed, I will be terminated. At the same time, this issue is so serious for me to just simply ignore. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Also, if I do decide to use the open door policy, who should I contact? Our area VP or a VP out of HPT?
 
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Make very sure what you say is accurate and be able to prove it.There used to be a list of phone numbers on every breakroom wall as to who to call.I have never heard of any kick back on any man that told what was true.
 
We had a guy use this open door policy and told upper management his story. He was fired within 6 months from a customer complaint. I do not know what the complaint was all about and i know the customer who complained and i know that there was no connection between the two, but the timing was really suspect.
 
not a real good idea its not as open as you may think. i worked for a company in wichita it worked but it took all of the drivers to stand together. however i wouldnt suggest it.
 
I've known people at my barn that have used the open door policy with some success,(their grievences got a hearing)and they're still here.Some guidelines to using the open door policy;
1:Conserve your ammunition,don't use open door for something that can be fixed locally,and overuse might have you pegged as just another malcontent.
2:Aim at the right target,don't send a payroll question to someone in the safety department etc.do some research to find the right person to act on your problem.
3:respect the chain of command,I know OD isnt the military,but it does'nt mean there isn't a chain of command,Your first call probably should'nt be the CEO's extension.
4:know what you're talking about!no rumors,make sure everything you say can be verified,and as JimBob said truthful.
5:sometimes the answer you get is'nt gonna be what you want to hear,you have to know when to move on.you don't want to spend a lot of time flogging a dead mule.
The open door policy is one of the things that makes OD kind of unique in this buisiness,but like anything else if used improperly by the employees or management will be rendered useless.
 
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if you have problems or concerns call John Yowell he will address the problem talked to him myself once and got a mgmt problem solved . great guy to talk to
 
any chance???????????

any chance just knowin' that you're right is good enough and just let it ride??? old german saying, "don't go to your king unless he calls you".
 
only call thomasville if you have a problem that cant be fixed at home . with a open door policy you don't have to have a invitation to call!
 
Don't use it. Everyone i know that has utilized the open door policy was shown the door. What the open door policy really is, is just a way to get rid of employees who don't agree with OD's policies and procedures. It's a trap, trust me. I've seen it happen too many times. Don't think for one second that you are anonymous. They will find out who you are and the next false step you make will be your last!
 
Guess, I've had good luck. Basically do job, yet if issue ought to be addressed, find the needed person to ask. Have even had a manager take it up the line, and the higher up contacted me. Especially with the computer log being instituted. Conditions, lack of safe pull offs, and other situations. Run the West/NorthWest it could be very serious just to shut down do to extreme weather delaying trip in non idling tractors. If true concern, not just a gripe or personality conflict, have not heard of lack of attention being given.
 
I would go to your regional VP. If that doesnt work, go to John Yowell. The open door policy works and as long as you are not rude when pleading your case, it is accepted with open arms and in confidentiality.
 
I just wanted to give an update on the open door policy that I decided to utilize a few months ago. I decided to take my complaints to our area VP which he found to be quite disturbing and he took immediate action by contacting the manager in question. Several weeks later the VP visited our terminal and held private interviews with several individuals to confirm my complaints, which he did. However, I did get a lesson in corporate politics. Without getting into detail over my complaints, I was almost certain that if our VP was able to confirm them that the manager would be quickly fired, considering that some of the complaints involved were outright illegal. I've known other managers in other terminals to get fired for much less. I later found out that the reason the manager was not fired was because he has a "guardian angel" in upper management. Also, I assumed that my identity would be kept anonymous, that was not the case and is the main reason for my regret on using the open door policy. In fact another manager from another barn told me to make sure I do everything by the book, so as not to give anyone a reason to fire me. However, on the positive side, many of my complaints were addressed and remedied. Overall, the atmosphere in the terminal has improved substantially.
My advice to anyone contemplating on using the open door policy is to perhaps approach someone in Human Resources or the Safety Department. I have found that they tend to be removed from the corporate structure and often times the individuals in those departments report directly to High Point.
 
The open door policy is another name for out the door policy. Nothing is kept private if you complain about your manager there is a 100% chance the area vp will tell them who said what.
 
Each center really is like working for a small company. I've heard a lot of horror stories at some places. I'm lucky enough that the centers I've worked at over the years we didn't have hard to work with management.
 
Don't use it. Everyone i know that has utilized the open door policy was shown the door. What the open door policy really is, is just a way to get rid of employees who don't agree with OD's policies and procedures. It's a trap, trust me. I've seen it happen too many times. Don't think for one second that you are anonymous. They will find out who you are and the next false step you make will be your last!
I can attest to this. Good boys club in Sioux Falls.
 
Call the EEOC in your town & give them a description of your problem. If it is worth taking it on, they will tell you. Some cases they will make you complain thru the company channels, then, if wronged by your supervisor, take your case. Do your homework. I like what Daylight Dean mentioned. The odds of you coming out on the long end of the stick are better. ANY attorney who handles Title 4 5 & 6 Civil Cases is a good start. If anybody can tell you the likely outcome, it is them. Most important of all, copy everything, record conversations, (any Olympus Hand Held Recorder) will work. The EEOC & Attorneys who handle issues like this are very good in their field, but only if the client did his homework. von.
 
Yes,Who really knows that they are confidential and there is know way to trace email address.I started to fill out and my blood pressure started rising.lol.So I stopped.

The only place I was able to find the link to the survey was on my personal page, after logging in. If you go through there to get to the survey, yes, it is very easy to trace who filled out what. I don't think they will though.
 
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