1 May 2002
Geoff Cockayne

I am an Anglo-Saxon Brit married to a Chinese citizen. Until recently I was a union rep at a large call centre in Leeds.

When I first started there I was subjected to a conversation in the canteen in which a large rugby-playing Yorkshireman referred to "going to the chinky". I pointed out that I found the phrase offensive. An icy silence fell over the room. He replied with a jaunty tirade which included the word "chink" as many times as he could manage. I told him that if I heard the word again I would make a written complaint to the HR manager and then left the room.

In the two years I worked in the call centre I never again heard the word used - though what they may have said out of my hearing is another matter.

No one needs to put up with offensive remarks including so-called jokes. May I suggest the following to anyone who is subjected to such behaviour:

1. Point out to the person that you find the remark offensive.
2. If this does not work tell them you will make a formal complaint if they do not stop.
3. If you are not already in a Union join now.
4. Put your complaint in writing and give it to the HR manager.
5. When they come to discuss the matter with you insist on a formal meeting with your union rep present. If you don't have a union rep you are entitled to take a colleague with you to act as a "friend".
6. Make sure the rep or friend takes notes during the meeting.
7. Insist that the company gives you a written response to the meeting which includes what you should do if you are not satisfied.

If the problem persists you can take them to an Industrial tribunal but no employer wants that sort of publicity.

Remember that what constitutes offensive is defined by you. If anyone needs further information I'm happy to help. Contact me on This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

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