My boss is giving me a hard time because I'm unable to go to a 5 day long corporate business meeting (lectures and boozing...2000 miles away), because I have 2 very important doctor's appointments that week. She's insisting that I reschedule these appointments so that I can attend the meeting, but I was on a 3 month long waiting list for one of the appointments, and I'm not about to jeopardize my health to wait another couple weeks or so to get in, and I shouldn't have to. Needless to say, she's pissed, and is coming to my store tomorrow to "talk" with me. I won't cave, but I just have this feeling that she'll try to make me feel like I should put work before health. She's not an understanding person whatsoever.
What are the laws against this type of treatment? And can anyone direct me to a website that state these laws? Can I sue the company if I get an ultimatum? Thanks for your help.
2007-08-01 07:31:48 · 6 answers · asked by onitram5 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I do have a doctor's note, and it's from my neurologist, NOT MY COSMETIC SURGEON.
2007-08-01 07:55:29 · update #1
Regardless of the outcome of this conflict I think you would want to seriously reconsider a career with a company with this sort of attitude towards it's employees. Unfortunately, I don't think they ( she ? ) is breaking any laws in this situation, she is just tremendously lacking in ethics. I would simply explain to her that you have waited 3 months to get a medical appointment to deal with an important health issue and you are not prepared to wait another 3 months to address this problem. No matter how much she threatens or cajoles do not get angry or raise your voice. If necessary, simply re-state your postion once. If she is the "top of the ladder" then quietly go about your medical appointment and begin looking for another job, because she sounds like the type of person who will find a "legitimate" reason to let you go in the near future. If she has superiors "up the ladder" then either request their name from her ( she'll likely get angry at the request or even refuse it ) or go about finding their names from a company directory etc. In a brief, to the point, short, note to the "higher up" explain what the issue is, stating ONLY the facts. Request a personal meeting to resolve the issue. Unless this boss of yours is a "Maverick" there is likely a corporate culture condoning this behavior and, as I stated earlier, you don't want to be working for this company anyways. You will know quickly if the company condones her behavior by their attitudes towards you and how much support she gets from above. Start looking for a new job if she is supported by management because they will find a way to release you even if it is something phoney like you were 2 minutes late for work.
Personally, even if they allow you to take your appointments, I would be looking for a new job afterwards anyways. Life is too short to put up with job crap like this sort of thing.
2007-08-01 07:58:23 · answer #1 · answered by d4dave 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get your doctor to MANDATE that these appointments are important to your health. And I would have the appointment nurse at the one doctor's office write down the next available appointment.
Your boss can't force you to do something that is damaging to your health. And I think I would go further and speak to your supervisor's supervisor, and explain the situation and what you are feeling. I don't know of a single company that wouldn't want to save a little money. Explain that you understand that it is something that is mandatory to attend, but that you have to look at your health first. If they don't understand, then I would start looking for another job.
But if you are ordered by a doctor in writing not to miss the appointments, then your company legally can't go against a physician's order.
2007-08-01 14:45:34 · answer #2 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your boss that you may have a serious illness. Try to get a note from your doctor stating that you cannot travel until you get a final diagnoses. Ask her if the company is willing to pay for hospitalization if something were to happen to you on the trip because you had to cancel your appointments.
2007-08-01 14:37:54 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 3 month long waiting list does not bode well for your excuse of a medical emergency. You did not indicate what type of medical procedure you have been waiting for. If it is a kidney transplant, you have a very good case to miss the trip with a note from your Doctor. If your treatment is for a non-life threatening elective cosmetic treatment, breast enlargement, tummy tuck, nose job, etc. you probably do not have a very good argument for missing a critical work event. You might also explain this to your Doctor. Yes you can sue your employer for jeopardizing your health, if you can prove they really affected your health
2007-08-01 14:42:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I do not have the answer to the questions on the laws, but I would suggest that you get something in writing from your doctor stating how important these appointments are.
2007-08-01 14:35:22 · answer #5 · answered by Mama08 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To do any research on this, I'd at least need to know what State you're in...
2007-08-01 14:40:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋