Employee says lip ring helps with ‘sensory needs’; Boss says, ‘Chew some gum’ “Before you agree to the internship, I want to make sure you understand that we have a policy against facial rings,” said Calvin Smith, a hiring manager. “I realize they’ve grown in popularity over the years — and yours looks nice. Maybe […]
Prayer Time: Can A Religious Company Mandate Prayers Without Backlash?
Employee files suit when he doesn’t want to participate in prayer time; Company cuts pay, fires employee “Hey, Jimmy, where you headed?” asked Manager Louise Jeffers as her employee pushed open the shop exit door. “We have the all-hands-on-deck meeting now.” “I have too many customer stops today. I have to get on the road,” […]
Employee Won’t Bend On Accommodation: So Why Is Boss In A Bind?
Company offers what it considers a reasonable accommodation, but employee says it’s not — and sues “It’s acting up again,” said employee Stacia Cerafini. “Every time I think I’ve finally beat this chronic back pain, it comes back to bite me in the ass. Literally!” “Ah, jeez,” said her manager Louie Wrexham. “I hate to […]
‘Accommodate My Religion!’ … Until Demand Changes
Who wins this case that goes all the way to the Supreme Court? “You have to accommodate my religion!” said Gerard Gershwin. “You’ve done it for 10 years, and you have to continue doing it.” “OK, Gerry, let’s talk about this, not shout about it,” said the employee’s manager, Susan Becker. “I understand your concerns. […]
Accommodation Revoked! Is New Boss Picky or Committing Discrimination?
Accommodation revoked first; then hours change “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you — the man, the myth, the legend,” said Jade Langhorne, the new department manager. “Or at least that’s what I’ve been told and how it seems based on where you work. Why are you so far from the others in the department?” […]
She/He/We/They? Employee Leans on Religion to Rebuke Workplace Rule
Employer fires employee for refusing to use trans-gender colleague’s preferred pronouns and workplace rules: Who wins? “JD is just asking that you — that all of us — respect him and how he feels,” said Manager Sabrina Matthews. “No one is asking you to do anything beyond being a good colleague, which I might mention, […]
‘I Want to Work Here!’ But Boss Says Accommodation=Transfer
Employee tries to prove he can do the job where he is with what he has; employer’s new rules say otherwise “But I want to work here,” said Donovan McNabb. “I’ve worked with this crew for 25 years. I like them. I like what we do.” “I get it,” said his boss, Bernice Daily. “We […]
Seriously Sad Situation and PTSD: Is She Eligible For Workers’ Comp?
Employee says failed life-saving effort makes her eligible for workers’ comp; employer points to other issues “I just can’t shake this,” said Shannon Sharpe, an employee. “I walked around here all day worried that someone else is going to choke and I’m not going to be able to help them.” “We’re all still in a […]
Treatment and Religious Accommodation at Odds: Is Employer at Fault?
Employer tries to help; Employee wants help, just not what’s offered “We support your recovery 100%,” said Manager Avery Roberts. “It’s been a long road to this point, and it’ll be one ahead. But with the help of AA, I believe you’ll have your license to operate back soon.” Employee Dannie Kunkle nodded in agreement. […]
Fired for Stealing Pennies or Because the Boss Doesn’t Believe the Disability?
She took some coupons; he dissed her condition “We need to talk now,” employee Rita Lorenzo said as she stepped into the manager’s office. Mark McAndrew stood, hand up, palm forward to stop Rita. “Hold on,” he said. “I don’t really have time. Just stepping out. Got to meet with loss prevention.” “You have an […]