Due to a non workplace injury, my brother is currently in a aircast boot thing and uses a cane
His workplace told him he can't work with a cane and he would have to go off.
They said it was a health and safety issue.
He is/was able to do his job just as affectivly as before.
He works in a grocery store deli.
He doesn't work with hot items, wet floors, tight spaces, ladders, or anything like that. He basically just slices meat and cheese for customers, makes sandwiches and deli trays, fills the shelves. He said the only thing he did differently was that he told customers what aisle something was in instead of walking them to it.
I thought large workplaces have a duty to accommodate up to undue hardship. I don't think allowing a cane affects them in any way?
Also, couldn't they have him be a cashier or something and sit?
This is also an “equal opportunity” employer; Isn't this basically saying that they won't even hire people with physical disabilities?
A manager even told him they didn't like how it looks for the customers.
The stupid thing is, he's on short term disability now, which pays 70% of his wage. He can't afford to live. I buy and deliver groceries to him. Everything he has coming is pays rent, hydro, water, cell phone, internet, meds, insurance, nothing else. He literally has -$5 after paying all that.
And he's upset because he knows he can work (just with a cane) and he feels like he's using the system.
I keep telling him to take care of himself and focus on healing as much as he can (although it looks like this may be a permanent disability even when he eventually gets surgery. Just not as severe as it is now)
I worry about him because he has a neurodevelopmental disorder as well, and will completely destroy him if he has to move in with me due to losing his apartment because of his lack of income. Especially as there are no jobs where I live within biking distance. (I live 45 minutes away in the country)
For being such a “developed” country I am APPALLED at how employers treat employees as disposable. They are a person too.
He's been there for 12 years! Fulltime!
To make matters worse my brother has won a number of rewards for his work ethic and contributions. And yet his work is still complaining he is off on short term disability. Like surprised pikachu face what did you think would happen when you gave him the ultimatum?
I'm trying to talk to local employment offices for help to find him another job, as once his short term runs out in a few months he switches to long term disability which pays 50% his wage. Which will JUST cover his rent.
I have to keep calling different people because they keep saying they only offer help for people who have been out of a job for 6 months. (Which he would be dead on the streets by then if he didn't have my support. )
Have a few more leads to work on, so fingers crossed they can help.
For workplaces complaining nobody wants to work, they sure don't make it easy to get employees.
ARGGG Thanks for listening to my rant anti-work.