Quote:
Originally Posted by LaraLynn
I work for a non-profit and I went on medical leave do to BP 2 weeks ago. I was having a ton of issues with work. During the last two weeks my work has called several times. They have been to my house. I brought my computer home and they made me bring it back to work. Finally last thursday they requested that I meet them up at they office to discuss when I was going to return to work. I told them I was not capable of meeting them, but my husband would speak with them. Not knowing what they were really wanting to know he agreed and met with them.
They asked my husband ALL kinds of indepth questions about my disability and my husband being caught off guard answered them honestly - including things about paranoia and delusions. The next day they called him and told him that if they agreed to pay me for the two weeks I have been AWOP then in turn they needed me to sign a letter of resignation they have typed up for me. They felt that I was not going to be capable to return to my job and that I would be under too much stress.
He let them know that I would be seeing my Psych Dr. tomorrow and that he would make the determination if I would need more time off or not. And that I would be faxing over an extension asking for more time of without pay at that time. He let them know I would NOT be signing there resignation and taking there money.
The Dr. originally told me that he wanted me off work 4-6weeks and I have only been of 2 weeks so far and they are pulling this.
Any advice? Has anyone dealt with anything like this? I am ramping up on my meds, but I am not ready to go back yet.
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Welcome LaraLynn. Before you sign ANYTHING, read up on the Americans with Disabilities Act. You don't have to have a written diagnosis - you don't have to have a diagnosis at all. If your employer perceives that you have a disability, they have to follow ADA regulations. If you told them before you took the time off that you needed it for BP, then they can't fire you. Also, I'm pretty sure that there is a privacy issue in the questions they asked your husband. So, don't let them pressure you into anything - get a good civil rights lawyer and fight it.
I know pretty much everything about ADA because I got fired 5 weeks after I disclosed I was bipolar and my ex-employer violated a number of ADA regulations. I have a lawyer preparing a complaint to the state labor bureau and that will automatically be filed with the EEOC. If they find that there have been violations, then I will get a settlement. In 2008, the law was clarified on mental illness so there is no question BP is covered. Good luck and don't let them pressure you into anything!
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