I am a single mom who works fulltime. When I was hired, I was hired into a Sales Position that did not require travel. I had told my boss of my situation with a young son and he understood. Now the company is calling for a nationwide Sales Meeting out of state for 5 days. They say "all Sales Managers are required to be there". Well, I can't leave my son for 5 days. He is only 20 mos old and I also do not have any living family to help me watch him. I will not just leave him with anyone either. Yes, I could pay for a live-in Nanny during this time, but that is very expensive and I do not think the company would reimburse this.
Does anyone know the law in a case such as this? Can you get fired because you can't provide childcare in order to travel? Honestly, even if I put up the exhorbitant amount of money for a live-in Nanny for the week, I still would not feel comfortable leaving him that long. What if he gets hurt or gets sick, which has happened several times already.
2007-02-12 05:35:26 · 5 answers · asked by Singthing 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am one of the top Sales People in my Dept. and have an excellent attendance track record. My work ethic is excellent as well, so, this is not an excuse not to attend.
2007-02-12 05:49:16 · update #1
As a single parent, I can sympathize; but unfortunately, your employer is at least legally, if not morally, in the right. Your ONLY function within that company is to make it as profitable as possible. If you can't do that, the job is not rightfully yours.
How important is this meeting, or you participation in it? That's for your supervisors to decide.
2007-02-12 05:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by Rob D 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You're employer may have heard what you said when you were hired about being a single mother, etc etc, but that does not mean that he has to make exceptions for you for mandatory meetings. A "national" meeting - do you think you are the only single mother in that group? Not likely.
You're boss has the right to require you to meet the same standard as every other employee, and you should not get an excemption because you are a single mother. As far as the company reimbursing you for nanny's fee - not their responsibility.
2007-02-12 13:50:15 · answer #2 · answered by Susie D 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes I feel exactly the same way, yet I think it all depends on the companies policies, if you dont go you may be fired if it is a very important and mandatory meeting.
2007-02-12 13:44:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you cannot be fired due to lack of childcare. Yes, you can be fired for not doing your job. It is YOUR responsibility to show up for work when required and to do the jobs you are required to do.
It is NOT the companies responsibility to accommodate you, it is YOUR responsibility to accommodate your job.
You need to make arrangements or be prepared to lose your job.
2007-02-12 13:44:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am not sure about US law but in the UK there is no way you could be fired for this.
2007-02-12 13:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by Guy M 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋