I was suspended from work as retaliation for filing a harassment complaint against my boss.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 28,2024 at 11:12PM UTC

   I really don't have any advice to give, as I'm in a different country and labour laws/unions operate differently.

   I'm so sorry you have to go through this, please speak to a therapist of you can, and try applying to other companies. Every storm will eventually run out of rain and you'd surely get a new job. In the meantime,Go spend some time with your family if you can. This too shall pass ❤️

2. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

   First, you can defer or reduce student loan payments, especially if the suspension has cut your pay.

   Second, did the independent doctor concur with the medical leave? If you haven't seen them yet, take your records from your doctor and your disability information with you. Otherwise, they will only do a quick physical and claim you are fit to work unless you show apparent physical symptoms. Was your doctor a specialist? You can insist that the independent second opinion share the same specialty. You were right to file the complaint because your union (at the very least) should have been there to support you. That is what you pay union dues for.

   One thing you may want to start doing since you have no apparent ties to where you live is looking for a way to make a fresh start. It is best to do this while you are still working, but that may not be an option for you, considering your adversarial position with your employer. Even if it means moving to a different area, it will be much better for your physical and mental health. If you have that specialized type of experience, a company in dire need may be willing to assist you with a sign-on bonus or relocation support.

3. AnonymousJuly 30,2024 at 3:47AM UTC

   I got the student loans dealt with today. Thanks for reminding of this.

   I already went to the independent doctor, and unfortunately, because. He was hired by the employer, he said he could only accept documents if I provided them to the employer to give (upon their approval). He diagnosed me with severe PTSD, and determined that I was unable to work. His report was very similar to my doctor’s report.

   I wish I could move elsewhere, but I have kids, and I’m no longer with their dad. It’s not an amicable relationship. He would need to move too, and he has a well established career here.

4. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

   I would resign and move closer to family. It sounds like you will be blackballed and if terminated and if will be difficult to find a new job. Student loans can be deferred. I have seen a lot in my years and this is not uncommon to have happen . If a company perceives a threat they will protect themselves at all costs.

5. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 8:25PM UTC

   I should have added - I have 2 kids, and I’m no longer with their father due to domestic abuse. I lost everything in the divorce. Moving away would mean I’d have to leave the kids here.

6. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 2:32PM UTC

   I think your first action should be to create a support system. That could be both group therapy, and something like a book club or garden club or walking club. Look at on Craig's list to see what's available.

   Isolating and keeping very separate is the worst thing you can do right now. But given the fact that you've made no friends might mean this is part of your coping skills. Don't do it. Find disability assistance and call social services to find mental health services available. What you don't want to do is create more depression with isolation.

   As for work, you will need to take anything you can get in order to relieve the financial burden. A full time job in service work along with a side hustle could be a stop gap until you can find more appropriate work.

   Finally, you may need to move closer to family while you recover and get back on your feet.

7. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 8:25PM UTC

   I should have added - I have 2 kids, and I’m no longer with their father due to domestic abuse. I lost everything in the divorce. Moving away would mean I’d have to leave the kids here.

   I really do need to find a way to get out of the house. I’m hoping I can find a way to get gainful employment outside of my field that is also within my medical limitations- it’s definitely a hard pill to swallow, because the reason I went to school was to get a job within my limitations. Definitely a lot to work through

8. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 3:10PM UTC

   I am guessing and hoping you have obtained legal guidance? with a permanent disability, you fall into a special and protected category. Can you share more on this?

9. AnonymousJuly 29,2024 at 8:21PM UTC

   I do have a lawyer who helps on an occasional basis. It’s tough to find someone specialized in union law who is willing to work for employees. I can share more. What would you like to know?

10. Jen FrischenJuly 29,2024 at 10:16PM UTC

    As much as people say "This is why people unionize" yours is a perfect example of how a "union" will leave you high and dry and even more isolated than just having to deal with this on your own. There is now power in numbers and an automatic bully pulpit.

    Hopefully you don't work in an industry that seems to require folks to unionize.

    I am so sorry you were fired in retaliation for reporting abuse/harassment. I have been through that before.

11. AnonymousJuly 30,2024 at 7:58AM UTC

    Thank you - it’s an awful situation to be in. It’s even harder to know my local MLA can’t even do much about it. Unionized workplaces in my field are hit and miss. I’ve worked for great unions in the past that were militant, but this one does nothing for their employees. The main problem seems to be a lack of reliable accountability for ineffective unions. The duty of fair representation process is successful less than 2% of the time. If that process was more effective, we’d have better unions everywhere.

12. AnonymousAugust 4,2024 at 2:16AM UTC

    It’s not a bad idea. I’m sure I can apply for legal aid to assist with this too. Thank you!