Can you be fired for being sick too often?

[AlienGirl]

I have the flu and I just called in sick for the second time in the two months I've worked at my job. This is a big problem, because it strands the manager--someone else was sick today too.

Can they fire me for being sick too often? They were already hesitant to hire someone who had been on SSI.

Tucker

[patdem]

1. In Virginia you can be fired without cause..so here it depends on if

the manager likes you and likes your work???

[Maddy McCall]

2. Right...

If someone wants to fire you, they will find a reason...IOW they will create a reason.

[lcordero]

3. No but it can draw unfavorable attention towards you

Have you thought about taking multi-vitamins(anti-oxidants) or maybe doing more health related modifications to your lifestyle?

[AlienGirl]

4. I already do...

The problem is just that my immune system's sucked since radiation, and I catch *everything*.

Tucker

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. Excessive absenteeism can be a reason for dismissal

If you miss work you should bring in a note from your physician...it won't protect you necessarily but will add credibility to your absence.

[Metatron]

6. I believe that is a state issue

In the private sector in Indiana, you can be fired for any reason, or NO reason at all. But, each state makes its own laws regarding firing and hiring.

[SingSong]

7. Obviously, they can do whatever they want

Is your absence creating a burden on other employees?
Does your absence cause important work to not be completed?

The management only cares about the bottom line. If losing time means they lose money, then they will take a hard stance with you.

Two times in two months doesn't sound that bad.

[kiahzero]

8. Speaking as someone w/ Crohn's

1) You shouldn't tell them you were/are sick before you're hired. They can't fire you simply for having an illness.

2) If you feel you are fired because of your illness, you can sue. I believe this is nationwide, because of the ADA (best piece of legislation ever!)

[lcordero]

10. How did you catch it?

I know a person that blames it on the anthrax shot that he received in the military.

[kiahzero]

12. Um...

Strictly speaking, his rationale is almost entirely against what's known about Crohn's.

1) It's primarily genetic, possibly with an environmental trigger.
2) I've never, ever, seen any references to anthrax vaccine as one of the triggers, in any of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America information.

So, he probably just had really crappy genes.

By any chance, is he of Jewish decent? That's one of the risk factors.

[jiacinto]

9. Yes

You can be fired at any time for any reason. That's what "at will" employment is all about.

Most employment is "at will". It sucks on some level because the business in question can fire you if they object to the way you look or some other unfair reason.

[LynneSin]

11. Technically yes

Because unfortunately too many people use the sick day when they're simply "sick from work".

The rule of thumb for most business is 1 day every 2 months for unexcused sick days. Anything less than that and you probably won't be questioned.

Howver, if it's excused sickness then they really shouldn't do anything about it. If you feel there could be a problem, just have a family doctor right an absent note. At our business, excused absenses for sickness do not count for the 6 sick days we get a year. Almost like they know we'll call out sick a few days out of the year and they'll let it slide, but if it's serious you'll get a note.