A. C. Moore: Feeling Stuck

My job was terminated today at A. C. Moore. I was a part time cashier but everyone helps out with everything and including setting up the store which is due to open january 30th in augusta, Maine. Maine is an employment at will state I guess meaning they can fire you for whatever reason (the employer can). In the initial interview the boss denies I mentioned that I was and am disabled. I remember that crystal clear though. I told him I wanted to work part time because I was disabled and couldn't afford to lose my insurance and what have you over it. Dave the guy that hired me brought in the second in command, Bob, "to make sure there weren't any misconceptions, miscommunications or whatever"... Well, I was supposed to talk to Dave "before I could work"... So, I showed up as scheduled and come to find out the boss is not there so I'll have to come back tomorrow and was terminated. Bob was the one in charge that night and instead of politely saying could u plz stay out there, He comes towards me with his hand up saying you, stay right there. However I would like to note that they have told me before and left me in that office by myself and said I'll be right back. They were saying I wasn't dependable although I gave them atleast a days notice for the time I wasn't able to be there because of hospitalization and for being in a crisis and counseling residential unit. So I'm atleast upset about this it just adds on to the pile of crap I've been dealing with lately. They said out of 3 weeks I worked one and so I needed to be terminated. I feel I have been discriminated, intimidated and some other thing I can't seem to explain at the moment. I feel as though I was really in actuality discriminated against because when I got there for the meeting they demanded to know what my disabilities were and I mentioned my eyesight being physical and also mental. I talked to Human Rights disability center or whatever it's called and they said where we're an at will state they could fire me for whatever reason but they could send me out paperwork anyway so I did that. I know there's more I'll think of later to add and will do so at that time. My head is spinning with so much stuff, one thing can't come out so I guess this is where I stop; but, I don't know whether to boycott A. C. Moore for what I would define as discrimination or just move on from this point.... Opinions, questions, statements, comments really anything is welcome... Danielle

get in touch with the ADA, see if you can file a complaint
American Disability Act = ADA

I think I'd move on. It doesn't sound like, if you were only working 3 weeks, that you really bonded with anyone there and thought it was a good job, your life's calling or anything? I think the paperwork and hassle and who said what to whom arguments isn't going to be worth it to give a company you don't like anyway a hard time?

I would look for other types of jobs and not even mention having worked there (that way the whole mess won't follow you).

Or, if you really want to make them feel bad :-) I'd print out their little holier-than-thou "Code of Ethics" and give it to Bob as you leave with a parting shot comment about, too bad it's just cheap paper:

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
A.C. Moore is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. Unlawful discrimination in the hiring, promotion, compensation or retention of employees is strictly forbidden.

Abusive, harassing or offending conduct is unacceptable, whether verbal or physical. Examples include unwelcome sexual advances and derogatory ethnic or racial comments.

Retaliation against employees for lodging a good faith complaint about discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated.

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From: http://www.acmoore.com/acm_Downloads/CodeOfEthics.pdf

It's something to think and I intend that to be my last situation with Bob or Dave for that matter. Unless their it comes back around that what they did was discrimination or wrongful termination. I was actually excited about the job itself initially until things went sour. I guess it's just too bad. I don't think there's really anything I can do just had to vent I guess.... Danielle

Sorry, AT WILL means just that. Whatever reason they want or can think of. Supposedly they dont have to give you a reason if it is at will. Because they did give you a reason you may have recourse, but do you really want it. I think you deserve to work someplace that you would be appreciated. If they hired you to do a job and you were able to do it, what do they care what your disabilities are. And from what you said you told them initially! Dont know if you have a Walmart in your area. I dont really like the store but those are personal reasons. However I did work there several years ago and they were good to work for! You may want to try going there. They will more then likely be glad to give you the part time. I know things like this are very stressful. No one likes to feel like they have been treated unfairly. Take Care. I am sure you will be better off some where else!

I understand where you are coming from. I worked fulltime for a company for a year and the day before my birthday, which the company bought gifts for me and planned on taking me out to lunch...they terminated my job. Talk about hurt adn ashamed and and and...It still upsets me esp since I had done nothing wrong (it was my ex showing up daily messing with everyone). I hope you find something that will treat you better, you don't need that crap. ~ melanie

Mrs. Moggles, Melanie, I had that happen to me too; we always got out birthday off as a holiday and I took of that Friday for a 3-day weekend and was laid off Monday when I got back! At least they got rid of the job and we weren't fired for something we ourselves did. It feels better now, 20+ years later since the company is no longer in existance and I still am :-)