On my wife's job, she is one of about 10 JW's employed there. Recently one of them found out the assistant manager (who never told anyone she was ever a JW) was raised a JW and has been disfellowshipped for the last 10 years. Needless to say this news spread quickly amongst the JW's there, and of course they all started shunning this person. They all stooped speaking to Jane (not her real name) instead would walk right by her as if she wasn't there. If they had work issues to discuss they would go to another manager so as to avoid even work contact with her.
The boss there over the years had taking a special liking to the JW's, giving them privileges and favors because he admired their moral lifestyle and their dedication to helping others to learn about the bible. He would even give them time off with pay to go to assemblies and conventions. He would bend the rules and allow them to bring their kids to work on days where there was no school, and even let them witness to others on the job. Well, recently that all ended suddenly. He has done a complete 180 and is now extra strict with JW's making sure they follow every rule to the letter. He posted signs warning all employee's there is to be no proselytising at the work place.
My wife said 'he used to be so nice' he would usually give her a nice warm greeting, often commend her on how well she dresses, joke around with her. But lately, she said he would hardly even say good morning. As she began to talk to the other JW's there, she found that she was not alone, in fact all the JW's there had stories to tell of how they experienced this new rougher treatment. They were puzzled as to the complete change around in the boss' behavior. It took them about a week or so to put it together that the boss saw how they were treating Jane and was upset by it.
My wife said those who follow Jehovah's laws will always be persecuted. I just had to smirk at that one. I however have mixed feelings about this whole situation. On the one hand I'm glad the JW's there got the same treatment they were dishing out. However it has impacted on my life financially. All those paid days off come in handy, not to mention not having to pay for child care every time schools are closed. But it won't change our lifestyle much, I guess it's good seeing the JW's get some 'come upins' even though it means tightening the financial belt a little.
William
Former member of a NON- Prophet Organisation