can a person be fired for illness?

Question

i had started a new job..been there two weeks, i got sick at work and went to the drs. where i was diagnosied with phneumonia and low potassium.. dr recommended i take two days off work and the weekend..started antibiotics, i took the note from the dr to my work place, gave it to the boss, and offered to come in and at least clean the lunch room and bathrooms monday..he said ok when i went to pick up my pay check today he said he had to let me go as they needed someone to work now..before me they had noone at all. can he do this

Answer 1

depends on what kind of employment contract you had with them some contracts have a clause in them to be able to end the relationship at will. If you could get into a union then your job would be even more secure so check the contract to see if there is an extermination clause

Answer 2

Sadly...Yes. Sounds like you didn't need to work there in the first place. Now if you had been there for more than 90 days then you could at least have gotten unemployment from the jerk. You cleaned there? I mean I could see this if you had a position that generated thousands upon thousands a day but even then...lol seems to be the norm for today's work place.
To the best of my knowledge they cant terminate you for an illness and if you have been an employee for a certain period of time there is whats known as Family Medical Leave Act. However it is widley abused by perfectly healthy people to allow them extra non penalty days off...I used to supervise staff that pulled that kind of stunt.

Answer 3

Unfortunately many can do this. I got fired because of illness when I used to work in the proof dept of a bank...and I had been ill for a couple of weeks due to my sugar levels being off. And despite the fact that I was one of the top 10 proof operators there they just up and said "we have to let you go ...blahblahblah"...course this was like 20 something years ago and I didn't think they still do this now....But I hear a lot of folks getting fired/laid off because of illnesses....it should be illegal..perhaps check with your above management or HR, or go to the labor board and show them the excuse your doctor gave you and see what they tell you....Different states handle situations differently..as with different jobs.
Good luck finding something better....when one door closes another always opens....remember that.

Answer 4

Yes he can. As unfortunate and unexpeted as your illness may be, it creates a hardship on the employer. Because he does not get compensated for loss of revenue as a result of your absensce, he must do whatever he can to survive.

I too have had the dillema of having to terminate employees who could not come to work as a result of circumstances beyond their control. Last year I had a guy who broke both of his legs in a motorcyle accident and it would take him 3 months to recover. My particular type of business does not have any opportunities for the disabled nor are there any "light duty" types of tasks. In order to keep my business profitable I had to replace him.

Answer 5

It's not fair, but probably. Is it worth the hassle to fight it? Probably did you a favor before the job got really nasty. I hope you feel better soon, and find another job that suits you better. HUGS

Answer 6

If you're not under a contract or anything you're considered an 'at-will' employee; you can be let go anytime and for no reason.

Answer 7

Yes, as long as they are not violating any discrimiation or disablity laws.

Answer 8

unfortunatly yes. They don't have to have a reason to let you go as long as its not discrimination

Answer 9

for to many yes