Could I be fired for this??
Asked by Carrie
Today I was at work and felt sick to my stomach and had diarrhea. I am a child care teacher so it is hard to look after kids when you are ill like that running to the bathroom all the time. I went to the Asst Director and told her I was sick and had to leave. I said I would stay until they found someone to step in for me even. She got all upset and acted as if I was lying. She asked if I have a history of stomach problems and that they need someone more reliable in the room and so on...I only missed one other day when I had a horrible ear infection and was so dizzy I could not drive!! She then came in my room and told me in front of everyone that this was an "unauthorized absence" and I would be written up and "dealt with" Monday when the other director came in! I told her I was sick and that was that. I am not a child. Now I am angry and wonder what they mean by written up? Is that fired or what?

Best Answer:
No, it just means that it goes in your file. I would tell the woman that you're considering hiring an attorney. See what the asshole says then.

She sounds like a jerk. If you are sick, you are sick, you can not help it, espcially with diarrhea. I think I would wait till Monday and see what happens then. Maybe the lady was just having a bad day and took it out on you. I would definitily explain the situation to the director coming in on Monday and see what she has to say. It they still have an attitude I might seek another job where I was not in fear of getting fired for something as minor as having diarrhea.
Answered by mom2abigsis

No you can not be fired for this, and what she means by writing you up for this, is that she is going to give you a written warning. 3 warnings and then they can fire you. Now first of all a written warning is only valid if they give it to you with another witness present and only if all people involved have signed this, so if you don`t sign it they have no proof that they have given it to you. But it sounds like your boss has it in for you, what you should have done is leave sick then go straight to the doctors and get a medical certificate, that way you have a certificate to proove that you were unwell and if your boss were to try to give you a warning for this you have grounds to take her to court. If she fires you then you can sue for un-fair dismissal.
Answered by wogya

Hmm, does your workplace provide food? If so, I would tell them your illness might have been due to food poisoning and that you're thinking of calling the board of health and have them investigate. If they actually "write you up", they will have to provide you with a copy and have you sign that you read it. You should write a letter telling your side and send it to the supervisor of whoever writes you up. The purpose of "write-ups" is so an employer can have evidence if he decides to fire for "just cause" meaning you wouldn't get unemployment insurance. There must be tons of jobs in your field, start looking for something better.
Answered by Ed F

I do not know who gave Qman a thumbs down, but they shouldn't have. In fact, all of the responses are very good. Let me add my two cents now. Instructors in the child care industry are not supposed to be at work if they are ill. This applies to a majority of states who are overseen by a state agency. I wish you would have been more specific with the type of child care facility this is and your state so I could advise you of your employee rights in this particular industry. As others wrote to be written up is a warning if you continue whatever behavior you will be fired. Normal protocol is after the third warning you are terminated. Your boss is a b***** I certainly wouldn't want you near my child nor any parent that I know of if there instructor was sick. You should have been sent home. I also have to wonder because of your industry have you ever been asked to bring in a doctor's note to ensure that whatever illness you may have is not contagious? Also let me advise you her question regarding you having a history of stomach problems is not a question she can legally ask. Let's say hypothetically you have a chronic stomach illness you may very well be protected under the American with Disabilities Act.
Answered by redvelvetflames4ever