I have been off work for 7 months (I,m a public transit bus driver) dealing with my cancer treatments and the aftermath. I have been in constant contact with my office, keeping them up to date and paying my share of the group health insurance. They keep telling me "it's ok, we need you back but don't push it, take your time". When I turned in my medical leave form, the doctor wrote it out that I would be off until sept. That is 7 months from my last day at work, so they have known this all along. Now, I went in to discuss my return and now they tell me that, "according to the union contract, if I'm off more than 6 months my seniority is broken." What they want me to do is resign, get rehired and start all over at the bottom of the seniority list. I have worked there 16 years (got a nice anniversary card in the mail last week "thank you for 16 years of service") and am no. 3 on the list, meaning I get my pick of my route. If I do what they say, I will go back to split shifts, split days off, working weekends, all the stuff I did for the first 5 years I worked there. Of course, I can understand that I haven't had enough stress lately so they felt obligated to lay some more on me. Well, now I am fighting mad. This is wrong on so many levels. Anyway, just needed to rant a bit. Thanks for listening.

Good morning David R, read your posting with interest. I think your company, or the persons handling your case (will be personnel department here in UK), is/are acting in a most embarassing fashion, I hope they take time to reflect on their stance here later in life.

If it were me I would be calm and polite and look for a better job, at least a better employer.

Maybe were jumping the gun anyway and all this crxp comes off a computer anyway.

Keep us posted, but main thing is I wish you a speedy recovery mate.
Nigel

Hi! DavidR,
Seems they like to kick people whilst they are down, I am not working in a job where there are unions(actually at present I am on permanent self appointed leave)but feel that if you have that option then I would persue the union route, what has been done to you is bloody terrible and at a time when you need security you get knocked back, shocking shocking shocking.
On another side I wish you well with you with your progress in the Taste and Saliva area, it can be slow but every day I feel that I am getting better in the Taste area(However Saliva will never return in my case). Good luck with your Job keep us up to date with your progress and "Stay Strong"
Trev

Hi DavidR, typical of buisness that is. When I went back to work initially I had to have the obvious regular dental and hospital check ups and my bosses started pissing and moaning about me having time off for the visits. I ended up leaving and going self employed for the flexability but I'd only been in my job for a couple months not 16 years.
I'm no expert on employment stuff but I'd say dont resign, find out your rights legally and then make it as difficult as you can for them without shooting yourself in the foot. What a bunch of a*****es.
As Trev says, Stay strong.

Hi David

Like Trev said it always seems in life that you get kicked even more when you are down. Totally agree with Hagg find out your rights first before making any decisions and will again quote Hagg "what a bunch of a******es!!!

Keep us posted as to how things go.

Take Care
Mum
xxx

This is outrageous! We have some called the Citizens Advice Bureau here that can advise you further. Don't let them get away with what is your right! I felt pressured into going back to work too early but luckily it has worked out.

Love Chloex

Well, there's the thing. I feel no where near ready to return to work yet but, I know we are short handed and with the Holidays comming up all hands are neede so, I was going to push it a bit and try to go back anyway. Well, no good deed goes unpunished. And I'm 60 years old and the job market is very bad in this area so getting a new job is unlikely. I'm going to have to fight them on this and get my position back. I hate to have to deal with lawyers but I guess I will.

Hi David

In the words of my late, paternal grandmother, Bull$#/+!

Have you thought of invoking the Americans with Disabilities Act? It doesn't sound like your union is offering you very much protection.

Let us know how things turn out for you.

Julia

Hi David
Noise is what you want right now and whoever can help you make is who you want to be dealing with. Do you need to bring in lawyers at this point? Is there a radio programme you could ring for advice on who/where to go for support? That usually shakes up a good response here ~ exposure of a problem, especially one that has a bad smell associated with it.
Good luck. Go hard and keep the bastards honest. Here you are considering putting your own well-being aside because you know the employer is short-handed and their only interest is screwing you over. Something not right there.
Fight the good fight.
Deborah

Hi David

Please contact the Oral Cancer Foundation (Brian Hill) for information about your rights as a cancer patient. He will be able to help.

Best wishes
Vinod