Can the special pioneers, bethelites, and many other "servants", who are getting their benefits stripped, SUE THE WTBS?

by Dunedain 15 Replies latest watchtower scandals

• 

  Dunedain

  I know in America, corporations, and businesses, are many times obligated to atleast continue certain medical benefits for an extended period of time, like a year or two, even after they are "let go".

  I wonder how many older, special pioneers, missionarys, bethelites, and such, have pre-existing medical conditions, and need to have to continue their benefits for care?

  The WTS, can send a letter saying " sorry your shits gone in 3 months", but is this really legal?

  I really hope that there may be some kind of protection, and or recourse, for these people who have given up almost everything, and now are being thrown to the "wolves".

  What a, and perhaps not even thought of by the WTS, huge financial backlash this could cause for them.

  The WTS/GB, are so stupid in their decision making, that they may not have even thought of the legality of this. Again, just figuring that the sheeple would just nod their heads, and take it up the you know what.

  Well, maybe we should find out if this is EVEN LEGAL, and put the WORD out there for these ones whos very lives may hang in the balance. Imagine the crippling effect this could have on the WTS, if it backfired on them, by some disilusioned about being "thrown away", took legal action.

  I wonder if some lawyers heard about, what this CORPORATION, is doing, if maybe they would want to GET INVOLVED.

  Yes, it may be true, that these pioneers and such, chose this path perhaps blindly, but still on a HUMAN and LOVING level, maybe we could help them.
• 

  Simon

  I doubt it - they volunteer for this and there is no promise or contract from the WTS AFAIK. The obligation that companies face are contractual ones.

  Unless they have some implied duty of care based on length of servitude there is probably no way anyone can claim and even if there were there are probably few who would (oh, such reproach on Jehovahs name yada yada)
• 

  Dunedain

  You may be right, but lack of contract does not mean lack of following the law. You are probably right about the RF, bobble heads, and the yadda yadda about reproach on Jah, BUT what if these are LEGITIMATE human rights violations.

  Perhaps, if certain higher ups, like lawyers, or politicians, were simply brought up to speed, THEY would be obligated to prosecute the WTS.

  Can you imagine the headlines, "The WTS CORPORATION, violating their own members human rights".

  Remember, this is, in reality, a CORPORATION, slashing peoples medical benefits, AT A WHIM.

  This could very well be a violation of somes human rights.
• 

  Simon

  Perhaps, if certain higher ups, like lawyers, or politicians, were simply brought up to speed, THEY would be obligated to prosecute the WTS.

  What's in it for them? What does a politician stand to gain vs lose from going after a religion over some "empty promise" that didn't materialize?

  What human right has been violated? Should people have a job for life just because they volunteered?

  It's hard enough to get a judgement on something when there is a clear contract in black and white. Throw religious freedom into the mix and I don't think anyone would touch it.

  Do we think there is a clear cut case for bethelites sent back to sue? If not, and we're probably the most sympathetic audience / antagonistic toward the WTS, then I think it would be hard to convince others.
• 

  whathehadas

  Waste of time. You had volunteers who WILLFULLY volunteered. They could have requested to leave at any time at that.
• 

  onightdivine

  Maybe not because even if you look at the kick-to-the-blahhrgghh letter, they were being "thanked" for their efforts in the VOLUNTEER work.
• 

  fukitol

  No, but I think this could be laying the foundation for a large splinter group to coalesce.
• 

  username

  The simple answer is no. special pioneers have to agree to sign a form to live a life of poverty!

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/106721/bethel-vow-poverty-documents-scanned?page=1&size=20

  What i do find very sinister is who they now work for. RELIGIOUS ORDER
  OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES!
  
  
• 

  TheWonderofYou

  Does this mean that only people of the ORDER are reduce inexpensive with no legal problems, whereas the 500 fulltimeservants that are members of the legal entity or entities wtbts Pennsylvania or N.Y., are not touched because they could sue their company legally?

  If so thry could applause at the annual meeting and rejoice that they are yet in. And they could vote for themselves as independent entity but not for the GB what is not allowed, but gratulate the GB for its wise decision and reducing costs, and that the wtbts Pennsylvania is not touched only the other entities
• 

  snugglebunny

  Posted at FB and translated from Spanish. Link below:

  SDX:XXX September 30, 2015

  XXXXXXX Dear brother XXXXXXX:

  We are sure you have received so much joy and satisfaction serving as a special pioneer in the Congregation XXXXXX. Though you surely experienced challenges along the way, the joys and blessings for putting kingdom interests first far outweigh the sacrifices. We are sure you accepted this assignment from the branch because of your desire to serve Jehovah wholeheartedly in areas where it was necessary to support the preaching work and congregation activities. We sincerely congratulate you for your willingness to serve in this altruistic manner.

  After reviewing our current needs, we have decided that your special pioneer assignment will conclude on January 1, 2016. Up until then you will continue receiving the usual monthly allowance. We understand you will need time to make the necessary arrangements (such as finding a job and housing or other arrangements); thus, we are pleased to inform you that as of this moment you are released from the monthly hour requirement. We are confident you will participate in the ministry as much as possible while taking care of these other necessary matters.

  In view of the valuable experience you have gained in your ministry, we hope your circumstances will allow you to engage in the regular pioneering. To do so, you must submit an Application for Regular Pioneer Service (S-205) to the Service Committee of the Congregation. In that way, your full time service will not be interrupted. As a regular pioneer, you may choose the congregation in which you want to serve; however, we hope that, if possible, you can stay in your current assignment. If you move to another location, please talk to the circuit overseer or write to the Service Department to know where you might be more useful.

  It is our understanding that this change may be unexpected. However, the Governing Body and the branch deeply appreciate your spirit of sacrifice. Please be assured that Jehovah will continue using you to strengthen his people wherever you might serve in the future. Remember also that he has the power to do much more than anything we could ask or imagine. So, be confident Jehovah will supply your daily needs (Eph. 3:20; Matt. 6:33, 34). Your faithful example will continue to encourage the brothers when they also face other challenges.

  We send our warm Christian love.

  Your brothers,

  Cc. body of elders of XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX, XXX-00

  
  https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/3n4uaa/special_pioneers_dismissed_via_template_letter/