I have been with an employer for about 3-4 months. I have not called in sick, or been late to work. This is a retail job. I have previous issues of having a blood clot in my left leg, which has left me with ongoing pain especially with recent varicose veins making it worse. My employers are aware of this and seemed to be okay with the fact that I would occasionally sit down to complete work related tasks. Not for hours of my shifts, and it wasn’t like I was slacking off. Every few shifts I would sit to complete a task that I could do sitting or standing, and sit only for 30-40 minutes. Any time a customer would come into the store I would be stood up before they even came in and walk over to help them.
One of my coworkers has been with the store longer and has a pain issue. This coworker calls in very often and either misses shifts, is hours late, or works shortened shifts because of their condition. They have NEVER been asked for a doctors note.
I wear a compression stocking to work, they have seen this. I have shown them my varicose veins. What should I be doing in this situation? This seems extremely unfair. The way it was brought up was not kind either- I was sat down in my managers office and they stated “I know you were going to get some kind of surgery on your leg to help with pain but you haven’t. Since you sitting down has been ongoing I’m going to need to see a doctors note”.
When I applied to this job on indeed it stated “We are an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.”