Well, today was a corker!
I have been at this little job (which I took on July 5, 2006 specifically because it was completely undemanding and non-stressful) for 87 days. When I found out I would be 90% sure be doing WLS, I immediately told my employer that I would be having some surgery (was non-specific), and that I would need some time for medical tests. This was 3 weeks after I started working. Since then, I have received written approval for all appointments, have given my supervisor as much advance notice as possible, and have continued to do my best. Frankly, a monkey could do this job, it is so dumb! This company has incredibly high turnover, and my supervisor has told me in the past that they will do whatever they can to avoid paying for unemployment benefits when they get rid of you. She said that one way they do this is to get rid of you prior to your 90th day (they don't pay benefits til after 90 days).
I have had no verbal warnings, no written warnings, and have even been put on a special project because I work so fast!
Anyway, today my supervisor told me that I have to show documentation for the remaining 2 appointments prior to my op. on Oct. 20th. This does not bother me, and I am sure the dr. will be happy to fax over a note. However, she also said (in writing no less), that the company is seriously examining whether or not they will keep me since I will be out for a few weeks. She said that they have the apply the time off policy uniformly to everyone. Funny, we have 3 college students here whose schedules have been happily accommodated to allow them to attend school!
OK, so I haven't been let go as of tonight. However, I would put money on being let go prior to Oct. 5 (my 90th day), or right before my surgery.
I do believe that this is discrimination of the ADA kind! Anyone else out there with this experience or advice?
I have documented everything since the day I started work. It's not that I care about the job, because I really don't. I was planning on looking for a real job while I am recovering anyway. But I am concerned about the possibility of other people going through this type of thing. I hate to think that anyone could lose their job (and possibly medical coverage) because of the WLS process!
Please let me know what you guys think!
Thanks,
ann