I began a job 3 weeks ago. The job is fantastic and I’ve really liked it. I got COVID a couple days ago and it’s a pretty severe case. I have underlying health issues. I asked about the Covid paid leave policy and they indicated they do not have one. I work for a medium-larger sized law firm.
I simply told them I received paid leave in 2021 once due to COVID state laws and was looking to see what they are. Plus, I asked if I could work from home first and asked about being able to use my own sick accrual time. They said I can’t use any until 90 days in.
The employer has been happy with my performance (we are technically “split” so the side with all the power is not mine — but the individuals managing me are the ones who validate my performance), however, they can still illegally terminate me and create an uphill battle. I gave some of the info and said “hey I’m not really sure what the situation is can you look into it and let me know?” The hope is they realize since they were giving paid leave before that it’s actually mandated and they have to do it without me complaining.
I don’t believe I’d complain to the department about it, but it would leave a very sour taste in my mouth. I don’t think I’d want to work for an employer who is supposed to protect people’s rights and can’t even protect mine.
This is all hypothetical, but when I suggested bringing things up to the employer in a calm fashion my parents flipped absolute shit, sayin I’m going to lose this job, they’ll fire me, and then I’ll be screwed.
My biggest problem is I’m in a larger sized financial hole that developed from letting an employer take advantage of me from September-Now. I built up a lot of debt and need to work on it. This would set me back immensely and not to mention I’m holding this debt at like 30% APR.
Any opinions? Thank you! Also, my general consensus is I’m really hoping once they realize it they enforce it on their own. It’d be depressing to be working for someone who is trying to help people with unfair policies, then themselves not enforcing similar things for their own employees.