Posted in r/MaliciousCompliance and thought it also belongs here.
I have a good job and mostly good employer and – until now – a boss who has had my back.
Just spent a week in ICU and a week recovering & follow-up doctor visits. Boss told me to get better and take the time I need. I have about four months of accumulated paid leave (sick + vacation). I had planned to return to work this week.
Headed to Dr. today for follow-up. Boss texts today that I need to either return to work tomorrow or provide “medical documentation.”
It turned quickly adversarial and HR is now involved. We all know HR protects the employer.
Cue malicious compliance.
I ask doc how long I should be off work. He asks if work is causing me stress. I tell him what's up and they are now.
Doctor says he wants me completely off work and focusing on rehabilitation for at least six more weeks. Provides documents stating so addressed to my boss and my HR department with a threat / warning that violating his medical orders may constitute reckless endangerment against medical advice and may subject both the employer and them each personally to civil and criminal liability (citing state & federal laws).
Wow! I love this doctor & clinic!
edit: I am aware that I am fortunate, indeed, to have relatively good insurance and leave – and union-driven policy to be able to use it! I have been careful and selective when applying for jobs so that these are in place. I know there are too many who do not have this!
Makes me motivated to start working so everyone is given time and medical support they need.
We do live in phenomenally prosperous times where there IS enough for EVERYONE to live lives of prosperity, dignity and meaning. Artificial scarcity needs to be relegated to the trash heap of history's failed and defunct ideas.
The only thing stopping us that I can see is greed. Greed for money, greed for power, greed for more than anyone else.