I work in retail, I just want to know if you can get fired for being sick because of your diabetes. Even if you are still on your 90 day probation period and the company policy says they don’t have to give a reason if you are on your probation period still, please if anyone can help me or refer me to any resources that can help me. Thank you!
within the 90 day period they don’t have to provide a reason after probation though… they can’t do a thing except request a doctor’s note.
I’ve been under the impression if your employer has made the necessary accommodations for you to address your medical issues and you are still unable to perform your job duties, then at some point there would be grounds for termination.
Technically, they can't fire you because of your diabetes; however, they can find other, legitimate reasons to fire you if they really want to.
That said, once you've gone through whatever training that shop needs (usually store policies, Point of Sale system, and product knowledge), they've invested too much in you to let you go that easily. Speak with your manager and if need be, the store manager (if they are two different people); they can usually find a way to accommodate you. (If not, speak with one or two of the other salespeople; they may have found tricks for hiding things that aren't technically supposed to be on the sales floor.)
I believe that there is some protection for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes as to fire you simply because you have diabetes is discrimination.
I do not know how long you have been at your job, but I think it would be good to gather together all the leaflets you can from your endo’s office, or print something off the internet and give them to your bosses. Ask them to read and then if they have questions they should feel free to ask and you will answer as clearly as you can.
There are still some people out there who are so ignorant that they will not employ diabetics - I went to a prison locally to help run a restorative justice programme, and was sent an e:mail the next day saying that I could not return again as I had diabetes and it might be a danger! I did not bother replying to that one. I was rather hurt though because I felt that I had a lot to give!
As you said, they don’t have to give a reason during your probationary period. Employers do have to make reasonable accommodations for employees with health issues, but not something you want to request during your trial phase.
Since you want to keep this job, at least until something better comes along, do what you can to prevent the lows. You probably need to recalculate your insulin:carb ratio. You may need less insulin from the activity of standing & running around in retail.
It sounds like you are having a difficult time. Here are a few suggestions. They may, or may not work in your situation. But what you are doing now is not working either, so maybe something else is worth a try!
Starbucks offers even part time employees health insurance. You need to find a job that offers health insurance. It not Starbucks, then find a place that does.
Regardless if you have insurance, do the things that you know to do to keep the blood sugars in better control. I know from experience that this is hard…but there are somethings we can do that don’t depend on insurance and can make a big difference.
College is not always right for everyone, or not always right at this time. But there are other options to move you forward into a better working condition. Better working condition = happier you = better controlled diabetes = happier you!!! Are there vocational training schools in your area? They are often less expensive and often provide financial support. They have certification programs in many areas, such as healthcare, etc. Check them out.
For now, you need to work very hard to keep the job you have!! It will be even harder to find a job when you have to put down that you have been terminated from your past job.
You can do this!!! It won’t be easy, but you can do it.
Well…I probably wouldn’t mention diabetes when I call in sick, esp during the first 90 days. Since it is a chronic disease they may start to assume you will be chronically absent! Are you in the US? Most states are considered employment at will and that means it’s pretty easy for them to terminate for any reason. I doubt that they would come out and say it is because of your diabetes, they will likely say something else or nothing much at all (it isn’t working out, it’s not a good fit etc). I know that sucks, but it’s reality.
I would really try not to miss any more work…I know it’s tough sometimes but unless you have ketones and really aren’t feeling well maybe you can still work your shift.
Good luck with this!
Thank you everyone for responding!