Faggots on the Third Floor

Work... issue

I'm reluctant to blog something about my job, but I know I have never once mentioned the name and I feel pretty certain I have never given any information substantial enough to identify my place of employment.

I first asked HR for some time off back in December, giving nearly a year notice. As you see, DECEMBER. As in, before she was even pregnant. But because my company DOES NOT like to give unpaid time off, and because I am not eligible for FMLA, I inquired about time away. I quoted a company policy which states that unpaid time away will be granted for significant life circumstances and/or personal/family reasons in which FMLA does not apply. So, I applied.

And it was denied. Reason being, no baby yet. And, "other reasons." I was told to "touch base" when the time is closer.

So, new manager (my old manager was totally on board) and I meet last week. I brief her on the situation, she already knew. Manager is on board, director is on board. I apply, they sign the paperwork. First I'm told to prove I've adopted the child (that, legally, does not exist). When I make it clear that that can't happen, I am told to come over ON MY OWN TIME to the HR office (in another building) to meet with them. This annoyed me, because NO ONE that I know has EVER clocked out for a meeting in HR, for any reason.

So, I clock out, I go over there. The manager is meeting with her boss, and I am told that two weeks unpaid time is hunky dory. I was leary, as I had nothing in writing. I told her to send an email. I was told, in this meeting, that I should save my PTO. That was all that was said about PTO. Well, duh. Of course I am going to save it. I was also chastised for giving "too much" notice, even though the policy states to give as much notice as possible for a foreseeable event. But apparently I took the policy "too literally."

So I get an email yesterday, stating, among other things, that I am FORBIDDEN to use ANY PTO before the baby is born. HUH? So, I speak to my manager and director, and I am told to email to clarify, since that was NEVER mentioned, and is unreasonable at best. So I mention that a) I am still under a doctor's care for surgery, and going to twice weekly physical therapy, and b) I or my child might still fall ill. I won't be taking any planned vacations, but telling me I cannot take any time off for any reason?

This morning, I get an email back. Stating that she SPECIFICALLY mentioned that I cannot take ANY PTO because I need to save it for the two week leave that is apparently no longer unpaid. She also states that she checked my schedule and all my schedule history and since I have never been sick before, it's safe to assume I will not be sick again. And since I go in at ten three days a week, there is no reason that I can't go to physical therapy or any other appointment before work. But the FINAL... the final straw...

"As far as sickness for your child, you were told to contact me and discuss it then. No unpaid time off will be given for any child care as technically THIS CHILD IS NOT YOURS."

First off, I was talking about CHARLIE. And it is none of her business what my relationship, legal or otherwise, is to MY son.

I got up, called my manager to tell her I was LEAVING my desk, she didn't answer. I passed someone on the way out the door and told her to tell the boss I was leaving for a few moments. I then watched from the cafeteria because I knew, eventually, the boss would be coming in. Sure enough, she did. She basically just told me to follow her outside. She read the email, found it unreasonable/uncalled for/inappropriate/et cetera. She talked to the director, who immediately went to talk to the VP, who (at last I was told) would review with the personnel officer for something that was obviously NOT right to say. I told my manager and director I would NOT deal with this particular HR manager in the future. It is obvious by that statement alone that she has an issue with me. She said something to me yesterday that was very out of line that I tried to brush off... but with this, I realize it was probably just as mean spirited as it sounded. The manager also asked me to print all the emails I had with this particular person and she was going to take it to the company lawyer (as when the lawyer spoke to her, she told the lawyer that I never requested a personal leave and was just asking about FMLA but that that was many months ago).

I... don't even know, really. I LIKE my job. I am a good employee, well liked by most people. This place has an insane turnover due to very procrustean politics, but I have been there for a year at this point and do my job well. But if this is how I am to be treated... it's not worth it.

My manager is amazing, the director is pretty darn awesome as well. But they can't force HR to let me take time off.... I don't know what to do. I'm not even sure it's worth my time and energy anymore to fight it. And if this company is going to be so anti-family... do I really want to be there? I don't know.

Any ideas?

Labels: Fraggle Rock, Soapbox, The Firm

posted by Estelle @ 5/14/2008 09:36:00 PM