Re: Time Off For Child's Death

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On 4/08/08, Joseph wrote:
> My wife and I lost our youngest son on Easter 2008. I
work
> for a small company in Buffalo, NY. I took off a total of
> 5 days all unpaid (of course). I was written up and told
I
> would be fired the next time I call in for any reason.
> They know my mother-in-law is dying of cancer and suffered
> her third heart attack the day after our son died. My
> father suffered a stroke two days ago and his recovery is
> also uncertain.
>
> FMLA does not apply, but this treatment seems as though it
> should be actionable under hostile work environment for
> mental cruelty - threatening to fire an employee for time
> off for the death of his child? Anyone?

It's awful that your employer threatened to fire you for
taking time off when your son died, it was not illegal and
this does not constitute a hostile work environment. My
deepest condolences on the loss of your son.