SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — 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.

Though its a great cause and I'm all for it, I can see why he got a one day suspension. I mean that would be like me not wearing my normal uniform to work (which my boss freaks out if I so much forget my name tag.. lol). If all he had to do was ask in advance, he should have done it. Like I said, I'm all for the cause and think it's great, but they can't let something slip if it's a rule or they'll have people trying to pull it all the time. And I think it's totally cool that what he did led his workplace to allow employees to wear pink on Fridays this month in honor of breast cancer awareness!

how stupid! good for him for supporting his cause!

I agree with you, Frances. He should have gotten permission first. Sounds like they would have let him.

But also, good for the company for allowing them to wear pink on Fridays in October.

i agree frances