Can you get fired for not going to work during winter storm? (employment, owner)

[Thursday007]

Given the industry I worked in we would only shut down if the largest employer plant in the city shut down that shift. It only happened once in 10 years.

[Koale]

Have her call in sick. Can't fire her for that.
Koale

[jasper12]

Originally Posted by Koale

Have her call in sick. Can't fire her for that.
Koale

Yes you can!

[Yzette]

Originally Posted by Squirl

actually they can fire them or dock their pay. Is there an inclement weather policy? Maybe there's an HR dept or employee handbook that addresses that issue?

That's the first thing I would do--check the employee handbook.

Unfortunately, it's legal to fire someone for not wanting to stick around in a storm long enough to risk life and limb getting home, and these days employers will make a threat like that to keep the sheep in line. Gotta squeeze every second out of every last wage slave!

[CampingMom]

Originally Posted by Avienne

That's the first thing I would do--check the employee handbook.

Unfortunately, it's legal to fire someone for not wanting to stick around in a storm long enough to risk life and limb getting home, and these days employers will make a threat like that to keep the sheep in line. Gotta squeeze every second out of every last wage slave!

Very true and for the measly $10hr I get paid-the old saying is take this job and shove it-especially when they call states of emergency and say you can't drove on the roads!

[ReturningWest]

Yup, in the medical industry you can. Hospitals run 24/7 and it is your responsibility to get in. Go to the allnurses forum and read all about it. Many come in before the storm and have to stay for the duration if they don't have reliable transportation.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Now can they fire them for not going to work during a snow/ice storm?

Absolutely! And she might not qualify for unemployment if she has a history of being late and calling off work.

Originally Posted by CampingMom

Very true and for the measly $10hr I get paid-the old saying is take this job and shove it-especially when they call states of emergency and say you can't drove on the roads!

A state of emergency is a different story unless someone has a job that is considered vital to emergency sitatuions (medical staff, fireman, paramedics, police officers, etc.) People in those professions have to get to work no matter what, even in a state of emergency. I'd say 'especially' in a state of emergency.

[I_Love_LI_but]

Originally Posted by ReturningWest

Yup, in the medical industry you can. Hospitals run 24/7 and it is your responsibility to get in. Go to the allnurses forum and read all about it. Many come in before the storm and have to stay for the duration if they don't have reliable transportation.

I thought (at least in my area) that if nurses couldn't get to work either police personnel or volunteers with 4WD would drive them during snow emergencies. I heard this from a friend who was an emergency room nurse, but she moved away 10 years ago, so I don't know what the current situation is.

[Keeper]

Thanks everyone, funny thing is I don't think they even have a handbook. I will have to ask. I can't speak for the others but my DD would go in as long as she is able to drive to get there, she can't afford to miss any hours/days. I know there are some who would take advantage of a situation especially the younger employees as noted previously.

Actually unless her mgr goes in she can't work because you need to have someone there who can open the vault.

[Yzette]

Originally Posted by CampingMom

Very true and for the measly $10hr I get paid-the old saying is take this job and shove it-especially when they call states of emergency and say you can't drove on the roads!

The working class needs a collective squee:

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