New weapons policy at work.

[Kkpsiknl]

This is the new wording. What are your opinions on it?

Except where expressly authorized by the Company or permitted by state and local laws, the possession, use or sale of weapons, firearms, or explosives on Company property or in Company buildings, on customer, supplier, or vendor property, while operating Company vehicles, machinery, or equipment at any time or personal vehicles while engaged in work-related activities, or while engaged in Company business on premises is forbidden. This policy applies to all Associates even if an Associate has a valid permit to carry a firearm. Company requests Associates register with the local HR Representative if they have a valid permit to possess or carry a firearm. Violations of this policy are required to be reported to a supervisor immediately. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment and possible reporting to local law enforcement oficials.

[FCH]

Looks like your company will fire you if you carry a firearm but what really jumps out is this:

...Company requests Associates register with the local HR Representative if they have a valid permit to possess or carry a firearm....

I don't know if I would trust them with that knowledge!

[ScottDLS]

This is the new wording. What are your opinions on it?

Except where expressly authorized by the Company or permitted by state and local laws, the possession, use or sale of weapons, firearms, or explosives on Company property or in Company buildings, on customer, supplier, or vendor property, while operating Company vehicles, machinery, or equipment at any time or personal vehicles while engaged in work-related activities, or while engaged in Company business on premises is forbidden. This policy applies to all Associates even if an Associate has a valid permit to carry a firearm. RNDC requests Associates register with the local HR Representative if they have a valid permit to possess or carry a firearm. Violations of this policy are required to be reported to a supervisor immediately. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment and possible reporting to local law enforcement oficials.

Well it appears to violate the parking lot law with respect to your personally owned vehicle. I also would "pass" on registering my LTC with HR. Since it doesn't have the 30.06 language it doesn't make it a crime for you to carry, unless they're posted. I guess it makes it pretty clear you'll get fired for carrying if they catch you.

[Jusme]

Wow!!
I can't even understand the point of this policy. First it says unless there are applicable state laws that allow it, carry is prohibited, then it says that even if state law allows it carrying is prohibited. Then it says that if you are licensed you have to register with HR , even though you are prohibited from carrying. Why do you have to register a license you are prohibited from using while at work?
I would not give them any info regarding LTC if you are prohibited from using it while at work.

[Bryanmc]

Whoever wrote that policy needs a course in "plain speak". First they basically say "as long as you're not in violation of state or local law" and then go on to say basically "even if you're in compliance with state and local law".

[puma guy]

The part about registering with HR may be something that could be challenged and maybe in your private vehicle in the company parking lot per the parking lot laws, unless the parking area is in a statutorily restricted location such as inside a process area of a petro-chem facility or other qualifying locale. I don't know if being required to self identify as a license holder violates the letter of the law or simply the spirit of keeping identities private and off limits. IANAL There is also a lot of conflicting language that makes no sense a s others have pointed out.
Edit: If you are using you private vehicle to make calls I don't think their admonition holds water at all. The problem is in Texas you can be fired for anything or nothing.

[Glockedandlocked]

Ours is no personal weapons on duty, but can be in personal vehicle.

Only state issued weapons and ammunition allowed for work.

I'd have someone review that policy, with it being poorly worded it may not be enforceable, but as an employee in an at will state, your continued employment is contingent upon your adherence to the wishes of your employment.

[Kkpsiknl]

To make it even more confusing they posted 30.07 but not 30.06.

[thetexan]

Poorly worded, in my opinion, to accomplish what I think they are trying to accomplish. Carry is allowed by the state so the first part is already convoluted. But that's says you can carry by law.

Then it tells you to register which I wouldn't.

But they can fire you. I don't think their statement invokes the employer privilege of employee prohibition because of the state law clause so no statutory violation there I think.

tex

[Solaris]

This is the new wording. What are your opinions on it?

Except where expressly authorized by the Company or permitted by state and local laws, the possession, use or sale of weapons, firearms, or explosives on Company property or in Company buildings, on customer, supplier, or vendor property, while operating Company vehicles, machinery, or equipment at any time or personal vehicles while engaged in work-related activities, or while engaged in Company business on premises is forbidden. This policy applies to all Associates even if an Associate has a valid permit to carry a firearm. Company requests Associates register with the local HR Representative if they have a valid permit to possess or carry a firearm. Violations of this policy are required to be reported to a supervisor immediately. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment and possible reporting to local law enforcement oficials.

Guns are banned "Except where expressly authorized .. or permitted by State Law".

So sounds to me carry away (PC46.15 expressly authorizes it) where ever state law allows it. If you have a permit, they want to know about it.

[WildBill]

The policy sounds like it doesn't want employees [associates] to have guns at work.
Their poorly worded policy is a kitchen sink attempt to cover all weapons and all situations.
IMO any one who reports to HR that they a LTC wouldn't be doing a smart thing.
The company "requests" it, but you have no duty to do so.

[C-dub]

To make it even more confusing they posted 30.07 but not 30.06.

This might actually be the least confusing part about this whole mess. It's a given that with this new policy and the posting of an .07 sign, but not an .06, that they have demonstrated that they not quite complete idiots of handgun laws in Texas. Is it safe to assume that your company is open or somewhat open to the public? I think the signs may be more for people that come in that are not employees that won't be aware of the company policy. So they are banning OC by those people, but not CC. And others have already mentioned the contradictions in the rest of the policy.

As far as "registering" with the company you CHL/LTC goes, I think this is a new policy that many will come up against as a new tactic to try and discourage everyone from carrying. I hope/wonder this kind of thing is addressed in 2017. Of course, the rules of the game have changed a bit with OC. We used to not show anyone our CHL unless they were a LEO or when purchasing a firearm. Now, with licensed OC that's changed a bit. Everyone is trying to get used to the new rules and companies and businesses will try to push the limits of what they can get away with. Some will be intentional and others will be just out of ignorance or confusion or misinformation.

[mr1337]

Except where expressly authorized by the Company or permitted by state and local laws, the possession, use or sale of weapons, firearms, or explosives on Company property or in Company buildings, on customer, supplier, or vendor property, while operating Company vehicles, machinery, or equipment at any time or personal vehicles while engaged in work-related activities, or while engaged in Company business on premises is forbidden. This policy applies to all Associates even if an Associate has a valid permit to carry a firearm.

Well, you're permitted by state law to carry a firearm. The sentence "[t]his policy applies to all Associates even if an Associate has a valid permit to carry a firearm." doesn't seem to prohibit you, it just says that this policy applies to you. I know their intent, but the words are basically saying that the policy of weapons prohibited, except where allowed by law, applies to you. It doesn't say you can't carry, actually the contrary.

And yes, I understand their intent, but they did not word it correctly to prohibit license holders. Just remember that Texas is an at-will state, and you could be fired if caught, even though this policy is poorly worded and doesn't convey their real intent.

[16Adams]

Cities and counties have civil service protections. State Employees and Private Employees can be fire at anytime for good reason, bad reason and/or no reason at all.

A simple "your services are no longer needed" covers it.

I've read and re-read the memo. I can make it say you can(if you notify HR) or you can't.

Communication is key. Ask the bosses for clarification

[16Adams]

Cities and counties have civil service protections. State Employees and Private Employees can be fired at anytime for good reason, bad reason and/or no reason at all.

A simple "your services are no longer needed" covers it.

I've read and re-read the memo. I can make it say you can(if you notify HR) or you can't.

Communication is key. Ask the bosses for clarification