Originally Posted by GoAngels (Post 166576)

If I had been there a year, I would have FMLA rights to take off 12 weeks. They also fired another genteman in the class who had a baby. Plus, after talking to my union rep, I was told that the department has fired at least two other probationary employees after they came back from medical leaves. My union rep encouraged me to file a discrimination complant withe the state (because this involves my son's medical condition). But that is a long process...my initial appt is not for six weeks. I can also get an attorney and sue, but that is a last resort since it involves me spending money.

I'm still holding out hope that I can get through to someone in a position of authority who will recognize that what they did was wrong. If they can't be convinced to do the right thing, then perhaps I can embarass them by telling my story.

Originally Posted by GoAngels (Post 166521)

It has been quite a few months for me. My wife was pregnant with our second child when we found out during a routine ultrasound that he has a congenital heart defect. He was born two weeks ago and has not needed treatment so far. He looks just as healthy and is gaining lots of weight. However, our cardiologist is telling us to prepare for surgery within the next 3-6 months.

With all this going on, I started a new job as a Medi-Cal (known as Medicaid in other states) worker. We had to go to 3 appointments per week for my wife and unborn son. While we did our best to schedule appointments, I missed about 1.5-2 hours per week plus a few days when my son was born. I spoke to my supervisors and everyone seemed very understanding. At one point, we were told that management wanted a list of trainees who had more than 3 absences, but I thought I was on solid ground given my situation. Then, two weeks after my son was born, they decided to terminate me. As a probationary employee, their termination letter (which a supervisor read to me) did not list a reason. However, I was the top student in my training class with a 98% average, so it was readily apparent that I was being terminated because of my absences.

I'm trying to get my job back, so far I've written a letter to the person in charge of making the termination decision. If that doesn't work, I'm going to try to get the head of the department involved, then the board of supervisors, and my congressperson. I've tried to get the newspaper to hear my story but they aren't interested unless I file a lawsuit and I am not there yet.

Anyway, I hate to be a downer, but this really has me questioning people's decency. In all my previous jobs, I took maybe 1-2 sick days a year and my wife had to beg me to take vacations. I didn't expect to be treated this way, especially working for a government agency whose sole purpose is to help children and the downtrodden.

Originally Posted by GoAngels (Post 166521)

It has been quite a few months for me. My wife was pregnant with our second child when we found out during a routine ultrasound that he has a congenital heart defect. He was born two weeks ago and has not needed treatment so far. He looks just as healthy and is gaining lots of weight. However, our cardiologist is telling us to prepare for surgery within the next 3-6 months.

With all this going on, I started a new job as a Medi-Cal (known as Medicaid in other states) worker. We had to go to 3 appointments per week for my wife and unborn son. While we did our best to schedule appointments, I missed about 1.5-2 hours per week plus a few days when my son was born. I spoke to my supervisors and everyone seemed very understanding. At one point, we were told that management wanted a list of trainees who had more than 3 absences, but I thought I was on solid ground given my situation. Then, two weeks after my son was born, they decided to terminate me. As a probationary employee, their termination letter (which a supervisor read to me) did not list a reason. However, I was the top student in my training class with a 98% average, so it was readily apparent that I was being terminated because of my absences.

I'm trying to get my job back, so far I've written a letter to the person in charge of making the termination decision. If that doesn't work, I'm going to try to get the head of the department involved, then the board of supervisors, and my congressperson. I've tried to get the newspaper to hear my story but they aren't interested unless I file a lawsuit and I am not there yet.

Anyway, I hate to be a downer, but this really has me questioning people's decency. In all my previous jobs, I took maybe 1-2 sick days a year and my wife had to beg me to take vacations. I didn't expect to be treated this way, especially working for a government agency whose sole purpose is to help children and the downtrodden.

Originally Posted by GoAngels (Post 166961)

I got my job back today! Well, it actually isnt official until tomorrow but I got the call today. My county supervisor really went to bat for me. I think the department was embarassed about what happened once elected officials started calling and asking questions. My assemblyman's office also made an inquiry.

Originally Posted by Yug (Post 167002)

I think a personal note of thanks (very profuse thanks!) is in order. Fancy paper, fancy envelope, etc.

Many folks just don't give a rip, so when you find one that does - show genuine appreciation. Maybe a few notes of thanks (and support) to the political types that spoke up, too?