employee memo

[novelist_wannabe]

Yes, this policy sucks. No, this might not have been the best way for them as a company to confront this particular problem. It really stinks that many people in our profession get treated no better than the average factory worker. That said, if you want them to continue signing your paychecks, you have to follow their policies. Dem's da berries.

Now, a couple of labor-related comments, if I may. First, I'm pretty sure most states don't require cause for dismissal, contrary to what an earlier poster asserted. I know mine doesn't. They don't have to give you a reason for letting you go. Second, sending this to OSHA seems an exercise in futility, and not because Bush oversees OSHA. If this memo was directed by someone above the publisher's level, it was also likely perused by a company attorney before it was issued.

 

[PEteacher]

A dozen or so years ago, my mother became critically ill. For about two months, I drove 200 miles round trip, four times a week, to help with her care. In the process, I burned up all my personal, sick, and vacation time, which was very limited, since I was in my first year on the job.

Around the holidays, she seemed to get better. Having used up all my SPV days, I was ordered to work every day through the holidays, "since everyone else has had to pick up days for you." OK, fine.

New year begins. On Jan. 5, she dies. I take 3 days off for the funeral and other arrangements. I'm informed these will have to be unpaid days off, since I've already burned up all my allotted off days. (Bereavement days were not a separate category).

Two weeks later, I call in sick for one day. I show up for work the next day, and I'm told they're letting me go, to get somebody "more dependable."

For the better. You don't want to work there anyway.

 

[Starman]

A dozen or so years ago, my mother became critically ill. For about two months, I drove 200 miles round trip, four times a week, to help with her care. In the process, I burned up all my personal, sick, and vacation time, which was very limited, since I was in my first year on the job.

Around the holidays, she seemed to get better. Having used up all my SPV days, I was ordered to work every day through the holidays, "since everyone else has had to pick up days for you." OK, fine.

New year begins. On Jan. 5, she dies. I take 3 days off for the funeral and other arrangements. I'm informed these will have to be unpaid days off, since I've already burned up all my allotted off days. (Bereavement days were not a separate category).

Two weeks later, I call in sick for one day. I show up for work the next day, and I'm told they're letting me go, to get somebody "more dependable."

For the better. You don't want to work there anyway.

Amazingly enough, every single person in that newsroom left, either willingly or unwillingly, within two years after that. Utterly shocking. : :

 

[Smallpotatoes]

I don't like that part about needing a note from a physician if you take a sick day, especially if you're out just for one day.

It's easier just to get a note from Epstein's mother ...

Damn, you beat me to it.