So I have stayed quiet long enough about having CF. My employer has taken advantage of me, so now, its my turn to get what I deserve. But how do I go about doing this?
I was reading on the CFF.org website about CF in the workplace, and how employers MUST accommodate those with disabilities, IE CF.
I work a hard job. Each and everyday I go home in pain. My employer doesn't recognize my efforts and struggles. So now Im gonna make him recognize them. My employer, a nation wise grocery chain, takes advantage of me through various ways.
I just do not know how to bring up the fact that I have a legal right for accommodation. I've been employed at this place for 7 months almost.
My job?
Courtesy Clerk. I push carts, in the heat (of up to 120 degree F) and in the cold (40 degrees F), I lift heavy objects (ie. groceries, big salt bags, etc).
Breaks? My grocery store 'rewards' us with a 10 minute break every 3 and a half hours, and a lunch IF you work 8 hours. The lunch is a NON-PAID lunch, and lasts as 'long' as 30 minutes.
What accommodations can I make?
I don't know my limits and i DONT know whats too much or too little when it comes to disability accommodations. Of course, how am i going to prove that i suffer from CF? Can i give him my medication as proof (creon)?
Heres the accommodations I have in mind.
1. I get a 5 minute break, every hour, to just sit down and rest.
2. When doing go backs, I want to use the electric cart.
3. If a customer looks like they are sick, or show physical symptoms of being sick. I get to leave and have another courtesy clerk take over.
4. Limited cleaning duties. No dusting, and no aerosol based chemicals.
5. Unlimited bathroom 'breaks', whenever necessary. No questions asked.
6. I get to use the 'manager bathroom' (employees must use the customer bathroom), either allow me to possess a key, or have a manager allow me entrance to the managers office to use the managers bathroom.
In my honest opinion, its not that must. Let me explain why I believe i deserve each accommodation (I will list a number, and the number that corresponds with above will have an explanation listed):
1. My knees, wrists, and lower back are always in pain. Especially after standing for long periods of time. This is an issue documented with my doctors.
2. Go backs are typically performed at night, when its just me and 3 other employees. I want the right to do go backs on the electric cart. Walking, by then, its very painful on my knees, and allowing me to use the cart will increase efficiency as I will be able to move faster
3. This is just common sense. If i don't get this, ill talk to a lawyer. I mean, come on.
4. CFers need to be careful of this, as always mentioned by my CF doctors.
5. Another self explanatory type issue. Sometimes our managers don't allow us.
6. I suffer from anxiety. Public restaurants terrify me. I suck it up, but they truly do. I don't ever leave the stall, or perform any bowel movements if anyone is in there. This is a noted psychiatric issue I have. I take medication for anxiety.
What do you think? How should i go about this? are these reasonable accommodations? how should i bring this up with the big man in charge ?
sometimes, I'm unable to see the big man in charge, so should i type a letter instead?
I was reading on the CFF.org website about CF in the workplace, and how employers MUST accommodate those with disabilities, IE CF.
I work a hard job. Each and everyday I go home in pain. My employer doesn't recognize my efforts and struggles. So now Im gonna make him recognize them. My employer, a nation wise grocery chain, takes advantage of me through various ways.
I just do not know how to bring up the fact that I have a legal right for accommodation. I've been employed at this place for 7 months almost.
My job?
Courtesy Clerk. I push carts, in the heat (of up to 120 degree F) and in the cold (40 degrees F), I lift heavy objects (ie. groceries, big salt bags, etc).
Breaks? My grocery store 'rewards' us with a 10 minute break every 3 and a half hours, and a lunch IF you work 8 hours. The lunch is a NON-PAID lunch, and lasts as 'long' as 30 minutes.
What accommodations can I make?
I don't know my limits and i DONT know whats too much or too little when it comes to disability accommodations. Of course, how am i going to prove that i suffer from CF? Can i give him my medication as proof (creon)?
Heres the accommodations I have in mind.
1. I get a 5 minute break, every hour, to just sit down and rest.
2. When doing go backs, I want to use the electric cart.
3. If a customer looks like they are sick, or show physical symptoms of being sick. I get to leave and have another courtesy clerk take over.
4. Limited cleaning duties. No dusting, and no aerosol based chemicals.
5. Unlimited bathroom 'breaks', whenever necessary. No questions asked.
6. I get to use the 'manager bathroom' (employees must use the customer bathroom), either allow me to possess a key, or have a manager allow me entrance to the managers office to use the managers bathroom.
In my honest opinion, its not that must. Let me explain why I believe i deserve each accommodation (I will list a number, and the number that corresponds with above will have an explanation listed):
1. My knees, wrists, and lower back are always in pain. Especially after standing for long periods of time. This is an issue documented with my doctors.
2. Go backs are typically performed at night, when its just me and 3 other employees. I want the right to do go backs on the electric cart. Walking, by then, its very painful on my knees, and allowing me to use the cart will increase efficiency as I will be able to move faster
3. This is just common sense. If i don't get this, ill talk to a lawyer. I mean, come on.
4. CFers need to be careful of this, as always mentioned by my CF doctors.
5. Another self explanatory type issue. Sometimes our managers don't allow us.
6. I suffer from anxiety. Public restaurants terrify me. I suck it up, but they truly do. I don't ever leave the stall, or perform any bowel movements if anyone is in there. This is a noted psychiatric issue I have. I take medication for anxiety.
What do you think? How should i go about this? are these reasonable accommodations? how should i bring this up with the big man in charge ?
sometimes, I'm unable to see the big man in charge, so should i type a letter instead?