Driver suspended for wearing pink tie for cancer

[October 16, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- A Springfield Mass Transit District bus driver has received a one-day unpaid suspension for wearing a pink necktie to help raise awareness for breast cancer.

The driver, 46-year-old William Jones, had to serve the suspension, but his action led the transit district to agree that employees could wear pink on Fridays October in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Jones, who said he planned to file a formal grievance, said he has had a number of relatives who have battled cancer, including a grandmother, a sister, several cousins and a niece.

Linda Tisdale, the district's managing director, said employees must ask in advance before wearing any deviation from the standard uniform.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com/

[Associated Press]

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