Lemondrop

Last week we posted about a waitress who was fired for not wearing makeup to work. Hundreds of readers chimed in on whether a restaurant owner has the right to control an employee's appearance. (Another hot topic was the difference between what's required of men vs. women to "maintain their personal best.")

Click here to read the debate after the jump.

Readers said...

She's a Whiner
Joanna: "it's a joke to call this a discrimination issue....her 'rights' as they relate to her personal choices have nothing to do with this. The fact is....she HAS a choice, she can accept the policy and stay OR reject the policy and leave find another job. ... Every job has rules that must be adhered to. Some we like, some we don't. It's up to us as a individuals to evaluate what we are able to live with and what we cannot."

Gina: "I do not agree that she should sue them over this. Think back to when it was popular for men to have long hair...well I knew many men back then that had to get their hair cut off to get a job or keep a job but the women could keep their locks as long as they wanted as long as it is properly tied back (in a restaurant setting). It's called a dress code/uniform policy. Don't like the dress code -- which is made by the company that hired you, the same company that signs your paycheck -- then I guess its time for you to find a job that suits your comfort levels."

Brenda Dishon: "It absolutely should be a requirement that women wear make-up and that they have a descent hairdo and have clean, ironed clothing."

It's Discrimination:
Michelle: "To those of you who say it's the owners decision...give me a break! If it was the owners decision to fire you because he/she didn't like the way you look or the way you dress, I'll bet you'd be the first person complaining. No employer should have the right to fire someone based on their make-up."

I like to think I'm being reasonable here: "That's completely sexist! A man wouldn't be fired for refusing to wear makeup. Besides which, makeup is very expensive, some people are allergic to it, and waitresses are paid terribly in the first place! That policy needs to be removed and she should get her job back with backpay!"

Karen: "That's a shame. I would rather have my meals served by someone who is comfortable in her skin than someone who was forced by management to wear makeup. Have we become so shallow that 'it's how you look' is more important than 'how you work'?"

Oh, Boy:
John: "If they could outsource waitresses they would have every reason considering the quality of our labor force. When the Japanese perfect that lady robot they've been working on, look out slackers and whiners! Your job will go too."

Tell us! What's your take?