is there a law?

Question

is there a law protecting employees who have emotional problems from being fired?

I work in an office with an emotional wreck who is hooked on zanax and pain medication. She has scarey episodes caused by the level of her meds.

if any of us "normal" ones were to act the way that she does we would have been fired. but for some reason they keep her.

there has to be some logical explanation...

Answer 1

That type of behavior is not protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act, but it may be protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The only people who *aren't* protected in society anymore are we the normal ones who are going about our business not bothering anyone.

Answer 2

There is no law that I know of that says an employee with emotional problems cannot be fired. I'm guessing that the management is trying to be accommodating and understanding of her situation. Yeah, it sucks for you because you have to put up with her and you could never get away with what she gets away with, so if it continues to be a problem you should get together with your co-workers and talk to management. Don't go in saying "she's an emotional wreck and is hooked on Xanax and pain meds." That won't cut it. Give specifics. Say things like "Last Tuesday before lunch she did (fill in the blank), and we believe her conduct was inappropriate and unprofessional." If you get enough people complaining about her with concrete examples of how she's being disruptive or not doing her job, I'm betting management will listen (especially if it sounds like they're going to lose a bunch of good employees because of this one "problem child.")

Answer 3

Yes
It is possible she is protected under state, federal, or local law
ADA
FMLA
Workers Comp
A contract
Addiction recovery protection

Answer 4

In law there is nothing like "emotions" and "respect" etc