Suspended from work- really upset

[hobie16]

Document everything and call the labor board.

Bail on these bozos and go get a new job.

Learn from the experience. You will have a few career mistakes in your life. I know I did.

[Princess Susi]

All of us oldtimers have had a number of *positions*. Right old dogs?

The creaky old Princess Susi


I am feeling my age today, or is that my underwear creeeping up on me???
My back hurts, but just til July 2nd, then it is REALLY gonna scream in pain after they CUT me open! THEN: after recovery, I will be like a new woman! Dancing and walking again. And maybe getting a good job with NO asshole bosses! I guess I won't be working for Disney then! hohohoho ;)

[Doctor McKey]

All of us oldtimers have had a number of *positions*. Right old dogs?

The creaky old Princess Susi


I am feeling my age today, or is that my underwear creeeping up on me???
My back hurts, but just til July 2nd, then it is REALLY gonna scream in pain after they CUT me open! THEN: after recovery, I will be like a new woman! Dancing and walking again. And maybe getting a good job with NO asshole bosses! I guess I won't be working for Disney then! hohohoho ;)

Suzi I would smack you for that comment about Disney... but i cant argue with it......

You know you want to work for the Dark Lord and Master... Lord Mickey

[hobie16]

You know you want to work for the Dark Lord and Master... Lord Mickey

Wouldn't that be Darth Mickey?

[felinefan]

EB, protected status is age, disability, pregnancy, religion, ethnic background, race, nationality, gender, etc.. If you have a disability, because of your knee, and they decide they don't want you around because of that, that is discrimination. They must provide reasonable accomodation for your condition--like not going on stage, as you mentioned.
I would tell the owners everything, but pointing them out one by one and showing what the problem is ("I was told I would have three days of training, but only got one and a half days; I was not told how to do the sidework, or where things are, and that is why I have a problem with my work speed," etc.), remind them that by law, when you get up to that, they have to make reasonable accomodation for your knee problem, that it is not a work injury, etc.. And also the law states that legally they cannot discriminate in hiring, promoting, firing, etc., anyone with a disability, etc.. Be firm and factual, not emotional and accusatory.
If they blow you off, report them to your local labor board. But like Susi said, document everything (can you get copies of the emails that have the unprofessional remarks on them?), keep it handy, and don't let them get away with it. Sad to say but it's true--employers everywhere are treating their employees like crap, they break every law they can get away with, especially the age discrimination laws, and then wonder why they can't hang on to people.

[EeyoresButterfly]

You need to cut your losses and flat out quit.

Since you want to become a teacher, why not get a job at a preschool or daycare facility, work in parks and rec, or be a day camp counselor? It would look good on your resume, you would enjoy the children and would get some real life experience for your career.

The problem is those jobs go during the day on weekdays and I am in grad classes all summer so they are not open to me. In the fall, they schedule our classes so that we can work in the afterschool tutoring ($10/hr) program at the middle school or the after school club ($20/hr) at the elementary and primary schools. I will be diong that hopefully, but I have to have something before then.

Document everything and call the labor board.

Bail on these bozos and go get a new job.

Learn from the experience. You will have a few career mistakes in your life. I know I did.

Thanks to your advice and the advice from the otherboard I have realized that I need to leave this job. I will be talking to my grocery store I worked at last year and see if there is still a position open in the kitchen. The manager there likes me, so I think I should be fine. If not there, I am planning to look into the local pizza parlor, I know some people who work there and haven't heard any complaints about management.

EB, protected status is age, disability, pregnancy, religion, ethnic background, race, nationality, gender, etc.. If you have a disability, because of your knee, and they decide they don't want you around because of that, that is discrimination. They must provide reasonable accomodation for your condition--like not going on stage, as you mentioned.
I would tell the owners everything, but pointing them out one by one and showing what the problem is ("I was told I would have three days of training, but only got one and a half days; I was not told how to do the sidework, or where things are, and that is why I have a problem with my work speed," etc.), remind them that by law, when you get up to that, they have to make reasonable accomodation for your knee problem, that it is not a work injury, etc.. And also the law states that legally they cannot discriminate in hiring, promoting, firing, etc., anyone with a disability, etc.. Be firm and factual, not emotional and accusatory.
If they blow you off, report them to your local labor board. But like Susi said, document everything (can you get copies of the emails that have the unprofessional remarks on them?), keep it handy, and don't let them get away with it. Sad to say but it's true--employers everywhere are treating their employees like crap, they break every law they can get away with, especially the age discrimination laws, and then wonder why they can't hang on to people.

I've looked at the statutes, and basically in Missouri you can quit or be fired at any time for any reason without notice. I have no proof that this is about my knee. Maybe I'm being naive, but I just can't see them coming up with an excuse to fire me for that. Then again, I can't believe I was suspended for something so stupid.

I had a speech rehearsed where I was going to mention the issue with the training and the e-mails, but my father encouraged me to just leave on a good note. I am going to talk to the owners next week and give my two week notice. I will say, "I feel that expectations on both ends are not being met and this is not a good fit. I think it's best for all involved if I seek employment elsewhere". If they ask me to elaborate, I will.

I am tempted to cal the Health Department because I found out on Thursday that they kept the restaurant and were serving food when there was a boil order for our restaurant (they are doing street construction near us). We did not have running water to do dishes or anything because of that and I'm pretty sure that is a health code violation. I don't know if there is anything they can do, but that worries me that that decision was made.

[hobie16]

I had a speech rehearsed where I was going to mention the issue with the training and the e-mails, but my father encouraged me to just leave on a good note. I am going to talk to the owners next week and give my two week notice. I will say, "I feel that expectations on both ends are not being met and this is not a good fit. I think it's best for all involved if I seek employment elsewhere". If they ask me to elaborate, I will.

I am tempted to cal the Health Department because I found out on Thursday that they kept the restaurant and were serving food when there was a boil order for our restaurant (they are doing street construction near us). We did not have running water to do dishes or anything because of that and I'm pretty sure that is a health code violation. I don't know if there is anything they can do, but that worries me that that decision was made.

Your dad is right. If they do ask let them know what happened from your point of view.

If they treat you badly then play a little catch up with the health department.

Some other advice. Always have an exit strategy. That includes a financial buffer to absorb any out of work time.

Keep networking. The best jobs I got were either through or because of friends.

Most companies these days have very little loyality towards their employees. The at will laws make it ever worse. Keep your eye on the help wanted ads so you can make a fast move if needed.

[joanna71985]

Wow! I'm sorry all this is happening to you. Best of luck with everything.

[Amphigorey]

I've looked at the statutes, and basically in Missouri you can quit or be fired at any time for any reason without notice. I have no proof that this is about my knee. Maybe I'm being naive, but I just can't see them coming up with an excuse to fire me for that. Then again, I can't believe I was suspended for something so stupid.

That just means that Missouri is a work-at-will state, just like California and Florida. (It was originally meant to protect the workers, but in practice, it just benefits employers who exploit it.) However, protected status is still protected status; they can't fire you because of your knee, just like they couldn't fire you because of your race.

Regarding the time clock issue, I'll second Princess Susi and say that no, that is NOT being vindictive. That is getting what you are due. If they can't get it together enough to let you know in advance that you aren't needed, then yes, they need to pay you for making the effort to show up for your scheduled shift.

Given the way these people are treating you, I don't see a reason to be forgiving. Be professional, of course, but if I were you I'd write a letter to the owners documenting everything. I wouldn't just say "there are differences" and wait to be asked about it, because in all likelihood, you won't be asked. They'll just say oh, okay and let you go. Look at it this way: if you bring it to the attention of the owners, you'll be doing your current and future co-workers a favor.

If you don't want to talk to the owners since you don't know what kind of people they are, then go ahead and send a letter to the labor board documenting your issues. It's the job of the labor board to look at issues just like yours. It's what the board is for - use it!

I also had a sucky workplace issue last year, which involved my former employers NOT PAYING ME. Unbelievable, but it happened. I documented everything and filed a complaint with the California Department of Labor, and I have a formal hearing scheduled next month. My case is solid, so they will definitely rule in my favor. Anyway, my point is that while the government is slow, they DO get things done in cases like these.

Good luck!

[Princess Susi]

Suzi I would smack you for that comment about Disney... but i cant argue with it......

You know you want to work for the Dark Lord and Master... Lord Mickey

You can't smack someone for telling the truth! ;)

EB, definitely call that number I posted and find out if they owe you for the hours when you punched in and then punched right back out. It is YOUR money if that is the law in your state. They cannot dick you around like that over and over. PLease check into it and just tell the truth to the owners if they ask. If you could have copies of those emails, it would back you up as evidence. Then, if the labor dept wants any of the documents, give them to them.
They are there to help employees, NOT employers. They are your friend!
Let us know what happens!

susi