Imagine that you are the male supervisor, whom Pat Lorance trusts and goes to after her demotion to discuss the broken promises made by the union and management. As Pat Lorance’s supervisor, you have been told to “write her up for a reprimand,” an act they hope will discourage her from taking legal action against the company. Decide what you would do in this situation. Your job may be on the line if you do not follow orders.

Write a formal letter to Pat Lorance explaining your personal and professional feelings.

Dear Pat,
 You know my situation. You know that I have been told to write you up for a reprimand for what you are doing. What you don’t know is how I feel about this.
 We have known each other for a long time. Over the years we have become good friends, even though we have been in different positions on the job. I have witnessed, first hand, the discrimination that you and the other women have faced. I apologize to you for not being able to do anything about that. Then I noticed that you were trying extremely hard to get ahead, and I was proud. Accompanying your hard work came the break that you were looking for. I couldn’t be happier. And despite all of the negativity coming from all of the male workers, you persevered. Then you were demoted and that’s where the trouble for me started. I know you came to me looking for support and I tried to give it to you. I spoke to the bosses about your downgrade and they told me to write you up. The biggest problem for me is that I have to make a decision on whether or not I will do it. Doing it would be wrong because you have done nothing wrong. You were only trying to get the same opportunities that everyone else was getting. However if I don’t do it, I might lose my job and this job is a necessity for me. I have a family that needs to be taken care of. I have bills to pay and food to buy. If I don’t have this job, what am I going to do? Where am I going to get the much-needed money?
 I wrote this letter to inform you of my position both professionally and personally. Hopefully you now understand what I’m up against and can grant me forgiveness if the decision that I make is the wrong one in yours or anyone else’s eyes.
 

        Sincerely,
        Jim