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Worker Axed Over Dilbert Zinger

'Drunken lemurs' not laughing, but worker wins benefits

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2007 2:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Bosses at the Catfish Bend Casino in Iowa suffered a sense of humor failure after a Dilbert cartoon referring to decision-makers as "drunken lemurs" appeared on a workplace bulletin board. They checked the security cameras to find the culprit and fired the employee who posted the strip, reports the Des Moines Register. 

The worker said he was just trying to cheer people up in the face of impending layoffs. But a casino boss told a judge at a state hearing: "We consider that misconduct when you insult your employer." The judge sided with the employee, ruling that he is eligible to collect unemployment benefits. Strip creator Scott Adams said this could be the first confirmed Dilbert-related firing.

Dilbert creator Scott Adams said the sacking of casino worker Dave Steward was the first confirmed Dilbert-related firing he knew of, although he'd heard rumors of others.
Dilbert creator Scott Adams said the sacking of casino worker Dave Steward was the first confirmed Dilbert-related firing he knew of, although he'd heard rumors of others.   (Flickr)
Dilbert has been satirizing the corporate world and cubicle life since 1989. Creator Scott Adams says the drunken lemurs strip that got a man fired was a little closer to the bone than usual.
"Dilbert" has been satirizing the corporate world and cubicle life since 1989. Creator Scott Adams says the "drunken lemurs" strip that got a man fired was a little closer to the bone than usual.   (Flickr)
A casino worker got fired for putting a Dilbert cartoon calling decision-makers drunken lemurs up on a bulletin board at work.
A casino worker got fired for putting a "Dilbert" cartoon calling decision-makers "drunken lemurs" up on a bulletin board at work.   (Flickr)
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