Fired - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

lthouselady · 05-13-2009, 05:21 PM

I worked as a cust service rep for Verizon. I had minor complications from my Gastric bypass (dehydration, accidental overdose of my Coumadin due to absorbtion changes). Anyway, these complications occurred a total of 4 times in the year following my surgery. Nothing major, but I was hospitalized each time for a day or two. Well, this put me in violation of Verizon's absence policy and they FIRED ME!!!! I now have been looking for a new job and cannot find one that pays what Verizon paid. The job was terrible, the company is awful to work for, but I'm having an awful time finding anything comparable! It seems to me that it should be illegal for them to fire me when I had no control of having complications!! (I had no stored up sick time because I had to take leave to care for my teenage daughter who was sick with type 1 diabetes) Sorry, was in a venting mood. LOL

poet_kelly · 05-13-2009, 05:33 PM

I'm sorry they fired you. I don't know if you would have qualified for FMLA or not. Under FMLA, they can't fire you for being off for medical reasons. There's paperwork you have to fill out to qualify. Other than that, unfortunately, they can have an attendance policy that includes firing you if you miss too much work, even if you have a medical excuse.

Kelly

Mz_Desz · 05-13-2009, 05:49 PM

I'm so sorry that happen to you. They shouldn't be able to fire you due to medical reasons. How can you not violate the attendance policy if you are medically ill. If I were you I would take it to the EEOC anyways just to see if there is a violation there. Its worth the try. What about unemployment?

suebry05 · 05-13-2009, 06:05 PM

wow- thats terrible....I do hope you find something soon or get some answers on your rights for medical absences... Is Verizon not union? for whatever reason I thought they were- if so maybe they could help you.

Also when you are out of work to either care for yourself or a sick child, spouse, parent you qualify for 12 weeks FMLA- you should look into this as if this is the case they can NOT terminate you.

Again good luck!!!!

Selena · 05-13-2009, 06:10 PM

Sorry that they werent more understanding....you will find something better!

mandylexi · 05-14-2009, 12:08 AM

Sorry that happened. I have never been a fan of Verizon. In the small city I live in, Verizon is the home phone carrier. I hated dealing with them. So, i canceled my home phone, and use my cell phone. No more verizon.

You should check with your EEOC, and ADA. Sounds like they are in violation of title 1.

Mandalagirl · 05-14-2009, 12:21 AM

I'm sorry you got fired sweetie! They will always try to find ways to get you out the door if you miss too much time off work. My mom, who worked for 911 got fired from her job post surgery. She had been there 13 years. She had plastic surgery done..was out over a month and after that things went downhill. The only reason she lost her case was because her position was filled by someone the same sex/age so she couldn't prove discrimination. It sucks!

Look at it this way, your opportunity is coming! Go to a temp agency...that is how I got my current job of three years. I love to hate it but I really do like it. I wish you lived by me, I'd help you look!

Native2u · 05-14-2009, 06:00 AM

That really stinks.....especially when you have a sick child also.

I'd be talking to someone....like Suebry said.....check into the FMLA that Verizon has.....that seems a bit unfair.

astona · 05-14-2009, 09:07 AM

WOW, I have been working for Verizon for 10 years, and I had RNY last year. I was out on FLMA for three weeks. I haven't had any issues with the company. They have been to nice, even let me work from home....for the last three years. Its one of the best companies I have ever worked for. What group in VZ did you work for ?

I am sorry you were fired, you might want to go back and talk to your management and find out what the reasons were.

I think I am allowed 28 days of leave, short term disability, and than whatever the long term is.

You can contact HR, and get a copy of your personal records. Again sorry you were fired, sucks with all the lay offs. You didnt get any package? I know a few people that made enough noise they were hired back and or were given a lay off package. Give it a try

Elayne · 05-14-2009, 10:29 AM

are union? I'm customer service in NY for Verizon. our union would not have let that happen. Did you file for FMLA? were you on step?