EXCLUSIVE: Employees Blast Oprah For Making Them Sign No-Phone Pledge
Posted on Feb 11, 2010 @ 01:30AM
Many of Oprah Winfrey’s employees are angry that she made them sign a pledge not to use their phones while driving, RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively.
Oprah started her “no phone zone pledge” after taping a program that featured a young couple who lost their daughter after a man, who was talking on his cell phone, hit their SUV.
And while Oprah’s heart is certainly in the right place, many felt her tactics were heavy-handed and that she shouldn’t be ruling their lives.
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Sources told RadarOnline.com exclusively that many employees are very unhappy they can’t use their hands-free devices in their own cars. “Some were complaining that they had just purchased hands-free devices and now they can’t use them,” one source told RadarOnline.com. “They’re worried this will hurt them from doing their jobs. Some employees talk on the phone while drive because they are under deadlines and their jobs are not 9-to-5.”
Oprah did not force the employees to sign the pledge. “But it was pretty clear to everyone that it would not be good to resist signing it,” one insider told RadarOnline.com. “You don’t mess with Oprah.”
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All Oprah employees were approached and asked to sign the pledge. “They all felt pressure and Oprah’s people even taped some people signing it,” the insider added.
Many employees support the pledge, which reads:
“I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference.”
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But others simply feel Oprah has stepped too far into their lives. “Of course Oprah can sign the pledge, she’s in the back of a limo all the time, texting away,” one insider joked.
Other staffers are stressed out that they will be caught talking on the phone while driving. And yes, the insider told RadarOnline.com, many employees signed the pledge and have already violated it.
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The bottom line, said many people, is that Oprah’s intentions are good but many employees simply believe she has crossed a line too far into their personal lives.
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Posted Thu, 04/15/2010 - 2:27pm
I don't care who your boss is, or where you work, it's ridiculous that your boss would request you sign a pledge of any sort. Although her intentions may be good, but probably all for show, her employees must wonder...is this only the beginning?
Posted Thu, 02/11/2010 - 12:43pm
WAY TO GO OPRAH!!! i live in a collage town and have been reared 2 times because light turned red and there on phones and not paying attention-Oprah's way can save lifes-don't you people get it? the life may be yours or some1 you love
Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 11:29pm
and as soon as they start leaving their jobs because of this--radar , pls let me know so i can get my arse to chicago , am dying to go on a cruise.
Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 9:29pm
Am sorry radar, but Oprah and employees and angry don't go together..LOL, if you think am somehow going to be angry at oprah for this--lol,,you are out of your minds..she's saying don't drive drunk and am supposed to be upset.
Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 9:24pm
Wow, thats way cool. I mean really.
RT
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Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 8:45pm
Oprah has crossed the line, but as a boss, she can do whatever she wishes, obviously. I have never missed a deadline because I was unavailable by phone for 20 minutes...
Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 8:23pm
how about bosses who threaten to charge people who are fat more for health insurance?
Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 8:50pm
Why is it that a good thing for emergencies wind up being used by careless idiots who run red lights, stop signs all the while driving massive SUV"S and at the same time engaged in non stop chatter . Ban cell phones!
Posted Wed, 02/10/2010 - 8:08pm
I totally agree that cell phones should be banned and they are a danger. In other words, I agree with the cause, but disagree with the method. Let the legal system pass laws, not Oprah.
Posted Thu, 02/11/2010 - 12:52pm