My daughter got fired from her job
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
Canada
June 24, 2007 9:44am CST
My fifteen year old was working at Tim Hortons and was fired yesterday because she was ill . She had her Prom on Friday night and after her Prom she went back to my sister in laws for a sleep over with her cousin . When she woke up in the morning she was vomiting and had a severe headache and was running a fever . She got ready for work and then came home but it was no better when she came home so she asked me if she really had to go in to work . She could hardly hold her head up and her face was at white as a ghost and I knew she wasn't feeling well at all . I told her not to worry about it and to call work and explain the situation . She did this and when she got off the phone she told me that they needed a doctor's note to prove she wasn't lying . I was P.O about this because I had no way to get her to the doctors because my husband had the van and I knew he wasn't going to be home that night . I told her there was no way I was sitting in the doctors all day waiting to see a doctor because she had the flu and they won't give a note for the flu anyway because I sat there all day one day and never did get a note when I needed one for work . The hospital thinks it is foolish to have to write a note if you are sick and refuse to do it !!
I explained to her that maybe I could go in and explain this today for her when she went in to work but then awhile later she recieved a call from the boss who blocked out her name and number and told my daughter that her shift for today was cancelled along with all next week and the week after and she would let her know about the following week about weather or not she would be permitted to go back to work or not . Her boss told her that she had seen her at the Prom the night before and she wasn't sick then and that if she was sick now it was because she went to the Prom and therefore wasn't a responisle worker since she was able to go to the Prom the night before but not to work that day .
Now my question is what would you do if your child was fired from a job because she was sick ? She really was sick and the week before had showed herself dedicated to the job when she was the only student who went to work for Fathers Day . She only asked for one day off since she started work and this was because she had exams the next day . She has only been working there three weeks and I realize they are not supposed to miss much time but when she started they said they understood that she was going to have to have time for her exams and this would not be a problem .
I don't believe she was being treated fairly and now this is going to make her when she goes to look for another job . What would you do to show that your daughter was reliable and that they were wrong in assuming that she was just calling in sick for no reason as this is what I am assuming they think she did .
Thank you for any advice because I feel really bad for my daughter and don't feel she was treated fairly or given the benefit of the doubt especially after she showed them she was a good worker and they said she was one of the best they had when she first started and she had proved herself about all the other children when she showed up to work Fathers Day and had offered to put in overtime on different days if they needed her !!
7 people like this
22 responses
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
24 Jun 07
If it was her first day missing work and she was a good worker, I would call and ask to speak to the General Manager, not just the manger. The General Manager may not even know the situation. Explain to the GM the situation and I would think they would handle it. Although the manager who fired her may not treat her very nice if she is hired back. May be a long summer for her.
3 people like this
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
24 Jun 07
I had thought about this because I know the general manager personally as we used to be really close friends but my daughter is not sure if she wants me to do this or not because she doesn't want to be fired and is terrified that if I say something that I may make things worse for her .
The impression I got is that she is already fired so I don't see how I could make things worse for her and I am worried about when she needs a referance for another job weather or not this will affect her .
Thank you for your advice !!
3 people like this
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
24 Jun 07
At least if the GM hires her back there wont be a black mark on her work history. She can ultimately quit after a week or so.
3 people like this
@mrsbrian (1949)
• United States
24 Jun 07
I have to agree if you know the gereral manager I would have a talk with him/her as the manager may be treating all the employes this way without the general manager knowing,I dont think he should have put her on the short list just for missing one days work,And the dr excuse thing is bogus if its not written in the work handbook, seems like you would have to miss a few days work to even get a warning.
@dragonstar13 (1465)
• United States
24 Jun 07
Maybe she should consider herself lucky. If they would fire her for missing one day of work, does she really want to work there? Is she expected to never miss a day in her whole career? Sounds like they are being unreasonable so maybe it's better she get out now and find a more compassionate company to work for. One that understands humans do get sick.
3 people like this
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
24 Jun 07
That is a good way to look at it I guess because it is true that she tried her best and they did say she was one of the best workers they had there in a long time yet were quick to get rid of her when she was ill .
Thank you for your response .
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
25 Jun 07
Some employers are very inconsiderate to young employees. Some young employees do not show up for work when they just want a day off. It makes it bad for the ones that are truthful and dedicated. I don't know how much good it would do for you to complain, but it would be good to let them know how you feel. Huggers to your daughter.
@GardenGerty (160611)
• United States
24 Jun 07
Is this an eating establishment? Then they should have been glad she did not come in. It does not fix the problem, however. She should have gone in and vomited on the boss. If she is as good as they thought she was, they will have second thoughts,and will call her back, begging. Good help is not that easy to find. I have learned that most hiring places will not call your current employer.She has not been fired, just temporarily laid off. She needs to go to the biggest competitor, apply, and tell the story when asked. Legally, a former employer should only give your employment dates and if you are eligible for rehire.Anything more makes them liable for defamation, because it cannot be documented. Why would she want to go back to work for such an immature boss? I would be tempted to call the corporate headquarters and let them know what is going on. She sounds like a wonderful employee who needs to be treated better than this.
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
24 Jun 07
Yes this is an eating establishment and you would think they wouldn't want anyone in who was sick like this and serving food to others .
There really is no bigger competitor in our area as we live in a remote area and this would be considered just a job like any other . There is not much for work in our area yet they are always crying for workers .
I can now see why they are unable to keep their workers though as they seem to be hiring every other day and no one ever seems to stay for long .
Thank you for your advice and your response .
2 people like this
@crickethear (1417)
• United States
25 Jun 07
I personally think you need to forget about it. I understand why you are angry and stuff, but it happens all the time. I would take it as good riddance, and let her find something else. You can't go in life fighting for her rights. I have had my share of unfair employers. Usually you find something better in the long run. The place sounds like a really fun understanding employer. Who would want a sick person around food. Heck, if anything you should call the board of health on them, and relay the story to them. That is what I would do. Sick people shouldn't be working around food. I gurantee you, she will find something better. I understand your anger, but it isn't worth fighting over it. Like I say, call the board of health and let her move on. Best of luck.
3 people like this
@lilcutieflip (31)
• United States
25 Jun 07
My daughter is only 5 months old but if ever she turns fifteen and someone does that to her I will be the first one they see at their door. That was really unfair for someone to fire your daughter because she was sick. Talk to the manager. You need more explanation than they do. Sue them or something.Well, that's way going overboard but I would have sued them for wrongful termination which is expensive on their part and I'm sure they don't want to lose their business. If your daughter and her job are "at will" state meaning they can terminate their employment relationship anytime without be liable to the other person then the only way is to talk to her boss or someone higher.
3 people like this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
25 Jun 07
Your daguther was treated unfirly. What they did to her was not right. Just because a person isn't ill in the evening doesn't mean he or she won't be sick in the morning. It does happen. It's happened to me on numerous occasions, and that's just how life goes. I know someone who called in sick, proof was needed, so she went into work and threw up on the boss's shoes. He sent her home, and never bothered her when she called in sick again. Idiots often have to learn the hard way.
2 people like this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
25 Jun 07
You really can't blame the boss...it sounds questionable. Party the night before and then can't come to work. We've all heard stuff like that and rolled our eyes. Bad luck your daughter happened to get the 24 hour flu after the prom. Perhaps it is even food poisoning. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going back there, since they question her truthfulness!
2 people like this
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
24 Jun 07
I'm telling you, these places should be glad to get good workers and not treat them like this! I seriously believe that you should talk to someone. Actually, I would talk to someone about how rotten your daughter was treated, then when they offer to let her stay, I would say know! Jobs are a dime a dozen (at least here they are becuase no one wants to work ...especially for minimum wage). My daughter had a problem at Bob Evans that was very similar. They allow you 6 'points' each year. You use them as you wish. Calling in, asking for a certain day off etc...all count as points.! The only exception is asking off for something school related (for instance, she plays in the band). Anyway, as Prom approached, she asked off for that particular Friday night. (She works Friday nights and Saturdays, 10 AM until 6 or 7, and sometimes later!)First there was the battle about whether it counted as a school funciton!!!!! Then, when she told them that Project Prom (after the dance the students stay all night until 6AM and do organized, fun games and stuff rather than go out drinking!) didn't end until 6 AM and she would need to sleep, could she come in later than 10 AM. They told her that she would have to use points for that. My Irish temper flaired. I went in there and gave them an ultimatum. They could treat her fairly or do without her. Butter would have melted in their mouth within minutes. They only have 4 servers at present, as everyone quits due to the long hours and the way they are treated! Funny they backed down for me but not my daughter.
3 people like this
@TakeThisName (769)
• Canada
24 Jun 07
That is not good , she should not worry about them and just get another job where they like her and won't give her a hard time . I wouldn't want to work where they didn't like me and got mad at me if I was sick . Maybe you can report them for doing this because they are not very nice to do this to her for missing one day .
3 people like this
@retardedrugrat (4791)
• Canada
24 Jun 07
I would go into Tim Hortons and ask to speak to the Manager that called your daughter up.
I feel that she was treated very unfairly, and when the manager stated that she was well at the prom, it's almost as though she was insinuating that your Daughter either got drunk and had a hangover, or that she stayed up late and was too lazy to get up for work.
Casting doubts on your daughters character like that is wrong and the manager needs to be told that what she did was wrong. The manager can either take your word for it or not - that you don't care either way, but you felt the need to defend your daughter because she was telling the truth.
3 people like this
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
24 Jun 07
Something similiar happened to my older daughter. She was working for a telemarketing company and was so sick she didn't even have a voice, she went to work anyway and they sent her home since it was impossible for her to talk on the phone. The next day she called off sick and they insisted on a doctor's note, even after they were the ones who sent her home the day before! When she did go back to work the following day, they told her she wasn't needed. Needless to say, this Mama Bear wasn't happy, and at the time I was a GM and knew what could and couldn't be done in a place of business and I did call them.
I spoke to the Manager there, and told them right out that what they did was wrong and that even if they wanted my daughter there, I wouldn't allow her to work for someone who had such sleazy practices.
They in turn, called my daughter and offered her the job back, and she told them No way.
@cmsk2005 (1770)
• United States
25 Jun 07
Dont feel bad for it. I think it is a part of life and game. It happens all the time. It will be better this time, may be she will get a better job where she can make her progress soon and faster than the prvious one. If U feel so bad then who will encourage her? U are the one who has to inspire her to start fighting again fron tomorrow and remember everytomorrow will be a better tomorrow. So, dont care and be happy, u know she can do it.
@buzzmonster (250)
• Australia
25 Jun 07
Definitely unfair dismissal - it's not an ideal situation, and i don't think any other excuse could really repair the bad sentiment there.
But i'm sure if she's the worker that she is, she shouldn't have a problem getting a better job.
2 people like this
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
25 Jun 07
I am sorry that your daughter got fired from her job. Unfortunately places are very tough on missing time, especially if they have only been on the job for a certain amount of time. I do not think she needs a doctors note for missing one day of work. If she had to miss several days of work then yes a doctors note would be required but not for one day. I would try and tell your daughter not to worry about it as there are better jobs out there and hopefully better management as well.
@brandonknies (305)
• United States
25 Jun 07
i would have taken her to a doctor. gotten a note from the doctor, and then called the better business bureau.
2 people like this
@brandonknies (305)
• United States
25 Jun 07
i would have taken her to a doctor. gotten a note from the doctor, and then called the better business bureau.
2 people like this
@zuri25 (2125)
• United States
25 Jun 07
That's such an unfortunate situation. It seems that adults these days have a really bad opinion of teenagers. They think ALL teens are irresponsible immature children who can't be trusted. It's certainly true that some teens are in deed like that, but clearly your teen is not one of them. I feel for your daughter. Not only will this firing affect her future employment, but it will also affect her self-esteem and sense of worth negatively. As her mom, she needs you to reassure her that the fault does not lie with her. However, working is a step toward becoming a full fledged adult and with adulthood comes difficult and sometimes painful experiences so I think you need to let her deal with this as much on her own as possible. There will be other jobs and other unfairnesses in her life and she will need to know how to deal with them without mom.
@daycarepal (1998)
• United States
25 Jun 07
Well that just stinks!! You could try talking to the GM but I don't know if your daughter will feel comfortable working there again.
Something similar happened to my daughter once. She was a waitress at a nice restaurant and did a good job. She was even training a new waitress which is something they only let the good experienced workers do. Well for some reason one of the managers there just didn't like my daughter and gave her a hard time over little things. One day my daughter woke up sick, she had really bad cramps and there was no way she could work that day. So she called out sick, which is not something she usually does. The next day at work, the manager that didn't like her fired her because she said they had too many waitresses.
My daughter was upset but decided to look for another job because some managers are just a pain to work with.
@Sweettatas01 (443)
• United States
25 Jun 07
Wow, that's happened to me one time. I worked at Taco Bell, and the main manager was a drill Sargent B**ch. But she was working in the military, sounds goofy that she'd resort to Taco Bell, but whatever. Anyways, One day I called in sick. It was ok and then the next day I had to call in again because I was sick. I worked at this place for 2 months. I actually trained at a store for 3 weeks that was like almost an hour away, and I worked every day and was never late. I was probably one of the better workers. But yea, she said the same thing to me... about the doc excuse. All I was doing was puking pretty much. Though, that should be reason enough to not go to work. Especially at a fast food joint. My mom called and was just like going crazy on her. I thought it was funny as hell. But my mom was like "You think that Im going to pay so much money just to see the doctor and get an excuse and be told what I already know." It was a waste of time... She also said something like, "You'd rather my daughter come into work and puke all over the customers than for her to stay home and get well" AND THE MANAGER SAID YES!!! Yea it was messed up. But see, me basically getting fired... or me quitting which I did honestly. Only reason I would get fired is if I came to work without an excuse, I just didn't go into work. lol
It was my first job, and it wasn't a hindrance for me to get another job. when they are a job reference, they can't say anything bad about you. It's against the law. Although, there is really no way of knowing if they said anything bad unless someone said something about it.
Your daughter will be fine, its not going to really hurt her. It's just a job and most people expect to see that kind of thing. Sh*t happens.
2 people like this
