New York doorman sacked for being too nice

Most tenants in Ralph Body's corner blame the building management and not the staffing company for the concierge's termination. Photo / Thinkstock

A New York City doorman says he has been fired for being too good at his job.

Until March 29, Ralph Body manned the front desk of the luxury 27 on 27th building in Long Island City, Queens.

The 41-year-old told the New York Post he "gave his life" for his wealthy tenants and would go out of his way to do any personal tasks they asked - all while keeping a cheerful smile on his face.

But that willingness to go above and beyond for tenants - by taking care of pets and watering plants, among other chores - didn't sit well with the two-year-old building's management, Body says.

"They said, 'We know you did it for the right reasons, but unfortunately ... you're too nice to the tenants,'" he told the Post.

Body says that when he insisted he did only what was asked of him, his employers at Heatherwood Communities said it did not matter.

"Unfortunately, in this case, nice guys finish last," Body says his higher-up told him.

According to the Post, the tenants who so adored Body have now taken up his cause with a petition to get him reinstated.

"Most tenants, especially those who have lived in the building since it opened, can attest to Ralph's kindness and eagerness to make people feel safe and welcome," the petition reads.

"The ruthlessness of Ralph's termination is disgusting, unjust, and disheartening.

"From day one, Ralph has gone above and beyond his duties. Yes, rules and regulations must be followed, but Heatherwood is more than capable of providing coaching and counselling to ensure the best possible outcome for its tenants and staff."

The petition, on ipetitions.com, had received 72 of its goal of 250 signatures by yesterday.

Now he waits, though Body could soon get a new job through his staffing company PBS Facility Services.

Most tenants in Body's corner blame the building management and not the staffing company for the concierge's termination, the Post reports.

But Heatherwood, in an email sent to tenants, says that is not the case.

"It was recently brought to our attention that Ralph did not follow PBS's policies and procedures and after being spoken to several times, it was their decision to reassign him to another building," says the letter.

- Daily Mail