Boss out of Line?

Question

Today I attempted to go to work, but with the road conditions being so bad with the snow storm, I had to turn arround and come back home, which I did not want to do, but felt my safety was threatened if I continued.

I then spoke to a co-worker who told me that my employer was quite mad about this (I did reported to my supervisor I would not be in, but the executive manager was upset). This brings up a few questions that I'm looking for opinions on. Do you think employers have the right to discriminate against those who take time off? Do you think if you are an employee that does not take much time off, that employers have the right to ask for a reason when personal days are taken? I am really upset that someone would question my judgement and expect me to risk my life for some crappy little cashiering job. I'm nervous to go into work tomorrow because If he questions my judgment, I will be quite angry and insulted.

And someone expecting me to risk my life to ring up some drunk's boose at 10:00 at night doesn't sound like an attitude problem at either. I have a three month old, husband, and not to mention, a life. Wouldn't you be pretty insulted if your honesty was questioned. And I mean, come on...I'm not the President, I'm sure the store went on without me.

Answer 1

Seeing that you have a cashier job magnifies your problem. You didn't specify what area of retail you work in. I assume in grocery, if so, then theres a chunk of your bosses anger.
People (shoppers) always hoard the grocery stores before and during a snowstorm. That can create a labor issue (you for example) to a boss.
On the other hand, if you work in clothing retail, who's buying a dress in a snowstorm, I mean really? I see a bosses point, then I see your personal belief of security. If you've been loyal to me as your employer, I could look the other way on this issue. No job has a value worth more than a persons life.
Sounds like maybe your higher up bosses had to get off their FAT A**** and work a little. I'll throw them a pity party. They got a taste of what you tolerate from the public each time you work.
Worst case scenario, they'll can you. If you have a good solid work record and reputable, you can sell yourself to another employer if necessary. Everyone handles bad weather a little differently and sees danger differently, females especially. Absolutely no pun intended. I am sensitive to the issue. I drive a truck for a living. My 1st Trucking job was US Mail transport. We hauled the mail at night 363 days a year. The ONLY THING that stopped us was when the snow got so deep on the roadway that the roads were drifted shut, otherwise we had to go go go. Black ice, go go go. I know about fear, more than most and fully understand your position. You have my cooperation on your issue. I would rather you be safe at home then confronting me on the roadway when you feel insecure. Finally an honest automoblie driver speaks out.
I see you work at a liquor store and have family? TOTALLY SCREW THE FRICKIN' BOSS. I don't want that Da** drunk on the road anyway, dry road or otherwise. I've delt with those bast**** too many times at night over the years. The stories I could tell you and others........ Family 1st!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

As a "boss" myself, here's my two cents. Though you may have a "crappy little cashiering job", it sounds like your presence is considered to be important. Especially if your absence was enough to make a senior manager upset. But hey, being someone in need where you work is always a good thing.

One incident shouldn't be enough for a manager to consider termination or some severe penalty against you. However, if someone has a recurring pattern of frequent tardiness or absenteeism, that can be grounds for some form of discipline. In those cases, a company should (1) make its attendance policy crystal clear to you, preferably in writing, and (2) inform you verbally and/or in writing of any violations of the policy itself.

I've personally dealt with situations where employees didn't show up for work with no explanation or were absent/late for reasons far less valid than yours. Regardless of that, an employer still has to protect itself from wrongful termination lawsuits by ensuring that you were made fully aware of the rules before making any decisions.

For all you know, the manager may be upset about absenteeism in general with several employees, and not just you. There could be others with sick days galore or chronic lateness who are on thin ice. So if that doesn't apply to you and you missed one day of work to prevent a safety risk, then you did the right thing. If an employer takes action against you or punishes you for that, remember that "crappy little cashiering jobs" are easy to find anywhere, and they might treat you better somewhere else.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Ah, yes, welcome to the world of office politics. If you felt the roads were too dangerous for you to be on, you made the right decision in staying home. You also made the right decision by contacting your immediate supervisor. I'd not pay too close attention to what your co-worker said... s/he could have misinterpreted what the executive manager was thinking. But either way - it's likely your company has an inclement weather policy (at least they should have one in Chicago!). Check it out and make sure you followed procedures and then forget about it.

P.S. The guy below makes a good point. Thinking you were discriminated against doesn't make sense. And if you think your job is "crappy" why not find a new one that lives up to your potential?

Answer 4

Keep that anger in check and go to work with your head held high! No employer can fire you for a snow storm and icy road conditions. Heck, much of the mid-west was snowed in today! Keep clipping from the paper or off the Internet, and if you have any problems show him the paper! If your employer keeps it up and disrespects you, be kind and say that you do not wish to listen to any more abuse, and would really like to get on with your work! If he fires you, you can sue him for lost wages, or at least collect unemployment. Don't worry, much of the time, it all blows over! You've explained and could do not more.

Answer 5

Just keep your cool, stand your ground and explain the situation. Tell whomever it is, I'm sorry you disagree, but it is what I felt was necessary, I had every intention of coming in and was already on my way, but with the road conditions I felt my safety was at risk.

I'd have a hard time believing the discussion would go any further than that.

Answer 6

Certainly with inclement weather, they should understand this, but some bosses are monsters

Answer 7

If questioned about a Personal Day, say, "that is why" it is called Personal Day.

Answer 8

i have deleted wht i wrote before, i apologise if i offended you in any way. Reading other users explanation, i will back PD bcs not only he has explained wht i wanted to say, his answer suits your situation....

Thnx PD mate