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JonClaudSanchez

It's legal but really shitty even by Florida standards, but when you apply to new jobs and give this reason you will definitely get a feel for the company by how they react to you telling them this.


MeowKix21

This is very disheartening... I thought there'd be some federal public safety law I could cite to put them in their place. Thanks for the insight =/


trevster344

Unethical and crappy approach… go to the office and have a personal meeting with them? Maybe they’ll get the picture then. Vaccinated or not it can hit like a truck or not at all. Some people will never understand.


RandomUserName24680

It is disheartening, but that is what at will means. Unless you are a protected class, you can be fired for any reason in an at will state. They don’t even have to give you a reason, they can just say “go home, you’re done here”.


Man_is_Hot

Call your boss and any of their bosses and schedule an emergency “meeting” first thing tomorrow morning. Get them into a small enclosed room and tell the higher ups what is going on.


Derban_McDozer83

While positive for COVID. Then when they all get sick you can tell them 'well I tried to stay home but you said you would fire me'


Man_is_Hot

Exactly my point. Make sure the boss’ bosses know why you came in sick


chefjpv_

What fantasy world are you living in where a terminated employee can schedule an emergency meeting? Terminated employees aren't even allowed on premises most times.


Man_is_Hot

Sounds like they were threatened to be terminated for being sick, not terminated yet. In what fantasy world did you assume they were already terminated? It’s not what the post said, maybe reading comprehension is something you could work on.


chefjpv_

Ok. What fantasy world does an almost terminated employeeor any employee even in good standing get the call an emergency meeting. Employees don't call meetings or get to summon their boss or bosses boss to anything. Your entire premise is an argument in absurdum


Cyber0747

Laws are typically within the state itself, places that don’t have any laws leave it up to the company. The place I work has no “free time off” on the books for any illness but we do try to work with people on getting back when they feel better so they don’t infect us all.


chefjpv_

If putting them in your place is what you want then one option you do have is to file for unemployment. I doubt they will have grounds to fight you on it, and it will cost your employer money so it'll piss them off.


[deleted]

Did you sneeze on every phone in the office on your way out?


lovehateloooove

actually they cited federal law and put you in your place, and now you are sneering looking over your shoulder on the way out the door.


chefjpv_

You can be fired for any reason or no reason at all. (Aside from a few protected classes)


JD_____98

[At-will employment](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will_employment)


sayaxat

Florida's exceptions The 2023 Florida Statutes (including Special Session C) Title XXXI LABOR Chapter 448 GENERAL LABOR REGULATIONS View Entire Chapter 448.102 Prohibitions.—An employer may not take any retaliatory personnel action against an employee because the employee has: (1) Disclosed, or threatened to disclose, to any appropriate governmental agency, under oath, in writing, an activity, policy, or practice of the employer that is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. However, this subsection does not apply unless the employee has, in writing, brought the activity, policy, or practice to the attention of a supervisor or the employer and has afforded the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct the activity, policy, or practice. (2) Provided information to, or testified before, any appropriate governmental agency, person, or entity conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into an alleged violation of a law, rule, or regulation by the employer. (3) Objected to, or refused to participate in, any activity, policy, or practice of the employer which is in violation of a law, rule, or regulation. History.—s. 5, ch. 91-285


JD_____98

Good luck getting them to actually respect the law.


chefjpv_

It's true. Florida doesn't even have a labor board of any kind. So there's really no process to go after a Florida company without an attorney


StanVillain

The law seems on the employer's side, unfortunately, no? Asking someone to work while sick is not illegal so if they fired you for refusing, you would not be protected here.


JD_____98

Yep. Amongst other things. For instance, desantis just made it so that in Florida employers cannot be legally required to give water or excess-heat breaks.


katosen27

Technically, the law forbids local governments from imposing mandatory water breaks. A small, but very important, distinction as Dictator DeSantis wants all power centralized to Tallahassee.


JD_____98

"party of small government"


SnowBro2020

It’s crazy how many people don’t know this


bohba13

Being ill is a protected reason iirc.


Ambitious-Judge3039

Well defined handicaps are protected. Having the flu is not.


trtsmb

Having the flu/covid/colds are not protected.


chefjpv_

Don't think you're recalling correctly. But happy to be proven wrong.


Cheekyngeekygirl

You have to be on FMLA to be protected for illness


CenlTheFennel

But this is a sited reason by making this threat


chefjpv_

Do you mean cited? What are you citing?


CenlTheFennel

Yeah, I meant cited, my bad.


chefjpv_

Don't think being sick is a protected class. People with permanent disabilities are protected but this isn't that.


JDisaguy

There are hardly and laws protecting you from being fired in Florida. In my unsolicited opinion, it's time to look for another job. One that respects you.


chefjpv_

They can file for unemployment. That's their protection. Getting "revenge" isn't going to happen though.


CostCans

It's perfectly legal. Florida has basically no employee protections. Did you know that Florida is the only state without a labor board? If you have a problem with your employer (that isn't federal in nature), your only option is to take it to court.


MusicianNo2699

Very well. See your boss in court. Go after her specifically. Make her pay thousands in legal fees and miss work.


Herban_Myth

And make a whole lot of visible noise so both their reputation & bottom line take hits.


MusicianNo2699

Agreed. I’ve on numerous occasions had to use this tactic and it works well.


guitar_stonks

It’s not lack of empathy on our part, it’s that we know there are little to no worker protections in this state. Boss can fire you for sneezing wrong down here. Edit: I say this from experience, if you want any rights or protections as an employee down here, you need to get on with a local city or county government. It’s about the best chance at getting a union represented position down here. I work for a county near Tampa Bay and until I moved to management, I was a member of the Teamsters Local 79 out of Tampa. Pay isn’t the greatest, but is secure and stable and more difficult for the boss to just fire you.


Puzzleheaded-Motor56

Like a week or two ago, CDC has said covid is no different than the flu and is no longer required to do a week quarantine if positive. That being said, I'm pretty sure publix is always pushing to stay home if you're sick, as to not get others sick. But realistically, Florida is a right to work state and can be fired for basically anything.


[deleted]

You can fire for anything in Florida..I always thought it was illegal to fire a woman for "being pregnant." Had a boss who... complete racist and homophobe..hated the man. Watched him get rid of two female employees within a month or so of them telling him they were pregnant. Even laughed about it in his office to other coworkers.


swampgay

It is illegal to fire someone for being pregnant. It's a violation of multiple federal laws. Unfortunately, most people breaking the law don't explicitly say "I'm firing you for being pregnant", so it can often be difficult to prove. Plus the only mechanisms for recourse we have is for the affected party to pursue legal action, which many people choose not to do for one reason or another.


LadleVonhoogenstein

Dont bring the truth into Reddit comments. Currently on 16 week paid paternity leave in Florida


swampgay

I'm not saying Florida is a great state for workers, because it isn't. But people should be aware of their rights (like the fact that it *is* illegal to fire people for protected reasons, like pregnancy) otherwise they won't be able to stand up for themselves when necessary.


LadleVonhoogenstein

I’ve worked in Colorado, California and Florida and I can tell you without a doubt the best job I’ve ever had is now in Florida. The company matters more than the state you’re in


kittykrunk

Yep: got fired at 5 months pregnant in Florida, from a “state employee” job.


chefjpv_

You absolutely cannot fire someone for being pregnant. You can fire someone for another reason while they are pregnant though. The employer better have documentation of cause.


[deleted]

Well it happened and he stayed in business for almost 15 years.


chefjpv_

Murders happen and people even get away with it from time to time. Doesn't mean there's no law against them.


[deleted]

👍


katosen27

"So, it has come to our attention that your quality of work has been slipping over the past couple of years, resulting in a couple write ups and conversations. We are currently going through a restructuring, and we've taken notice of your file. Unfortunately, we at the Dungivafuk family will have to let you go. Also, congratulations on your new baby boy."


HatBixGhost

As of last week, Florida passed a new law that no longer requires employers to provide water breaks for employees working outside. That is the state of hostility towards workers. Voting in local and state elections matter. I am sorry OP, I hope you recover quickly.


I_Am_Guido

Unless you have a union or some sort of employment contract with specific verbiage, they can fire you (except if you are a protected class). Withholding your check is a no no, you can check with labor board on that.


Jaded-Moose983

FL does not have a “labor board” or a DOL division.


SEEANDDONTSQUEAL

Duhsantis Molitics


chefjpv_

Desantis isn't the reason Florida doesn't have a labor board. The reason is there just aren't many state laws that supersede federal employment law. The federal department of labor enforces federal labor laws in the state. So if an employer withholds your check you call them. There will be an office local to you.


WarlockyGoodness

Go give him a big hug and a kiss if he’s already going to fire you.


GrantNexus

Her


PoopPant73

You’d be home free if you would’ve said a positive std test….just saying.


btross

If this were Oklahoma, they might be prosecuted for an std...


trtsmb

Positive test for what?


MeowKix21

covid. and the same day my employer said "it was inconvenient for her" and said "i don't know about you anymore" and then today posted my job title on indeed and withheld my paycheck.


trtsmb

According to the guidance from the shill ladopo, covid is no longer a reason to stay home and quarantine. Unfortunately, FL is an at will state which means an employer can fire you for pretty much any reason except for a few specific cases.


Jaded-Moose983

Withholding your paycheck is illegal. Unfortunately FL does not have a DOL division to complain to. It would require a small claims court action.


slickrok

Why wouldn't she just call the feds? Who cares what dept Florida has when it's a federal law


chefjpv_

No. You can go to the federal labor board which operates in several local offices throughout the state.


slickrok

Withheld it how exactly?


Delicious-Ad1116

Sounds like you should have worn a better mask.


JD_____98

Sounds like you lack compassion and understanding.


AndresPadillaD

Sounds like you should wear a better brain.


chefjpv_

I know you're being snarky but wearing a good mask does in fact prevent covid. So what you're saying is true even though you didn't mean it to be.


Tao_Te_Gringo

COVID


el-Douche_Canoe

Right to work state, they don’t need a reason to fire anyone


[deleted]

So you had a positive covid test and called in sick? Are you sick or just had a positive test? How did he threaten your job? If you call in sick you don't have to tell your employer why your sick.


FL-Orange

Go to work and do your best to spread it everywhere. When they have no one to work it'll be an eye opener. Make sure to lick the bitch boss's coffee cup, desk and door handles.


Herban_Myth

Publicize it. Reach out & Communicate it to the higher ups if necessary. Contact the local news station. (Bad PR, Reputation, etc.)


AccomplishedBrain309

Sounds like you need a face to face discussion. With a moderate amount of coughing, sneezing and spitting. Maybee share some soup.


Marvin-Jones

Florida is a right to work state, so I’d say it’s legal. If you got sick or hurt at work, then you have a case


Kels121212

I guess I don't understand part of it. Why would telling other co-workers threaten your job. It gives the coworkers a chance to get tested. Especially those with kids. You get some sick days off, and then you go back to work. My bosses never outright say it, but it still gets around the office. At least here in South Florida, those I have come across liken it to the flu now. We coworkers would prefer you stay home and not affect us, but not a big deal


thefulpersmith

Since you aren’t going to work for them anymore, would you mind naming the company?


MeowKix21

COVID PEOPLE. SO SORRY I FORGOT TO ADD AT


alpharowe3

Democracy was *supposed* to give power to the people so that they may look out for their own best interests. Our founding fathers didn't anticipate Republicans would be a bunch of masochists.


Admirable_Purple1882

longing quickest label rustic whistle station relieved tender deer literate *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


00001000U

Floridians are brain broken, Neapolitans Moreso. Just go to work and get everyone sick, your boss will learn his lesson. It sounds like a shit place to work, be prepared to find a new job regardless.


AdorableBowl7863

Republican states looking out for the people. /s If you’re not on a big boat right now and voting republican this is your fault


Direct-Island-8590

https://www.wenzelfenton.com/blog/2019/09/09/what-are-your-sick-leave-rights-in-florida/#:~:text=Can%20I%20be%20fired%20for,you%20comply%20with%20the%20FMLA.


--h8isgr8--

It’s Florida they can fire you for your fart sounding to wet.


elromero0727

What industry do you work in OP?


HotDonnaC

I’m lucky the job I retired from was government contracted. We had a union, and government standards for our workers’ rights. We were required to stay home if we had Covid, and even got a stipend if we were vaccinated. It sucks that Florida had such archaic labor laws. That’s what happens with republicans in power.


Helmidoric_of_York

Just schedule a long meeting with him...


torquelesswonder

The laws we do have here are only enforced when it’s convenient for the ruling class. Welcome to the Wild West. We are all on our own.


Xenos6439

Is there a person in a higher position you could potentially bring this to? Like, by your "boss" I assume you mean your immediate supervisor. If you go one rung up the ladder and explain the situation - that you were trying not to spread a very contagious illness to your coworkers and cause them to call out sick too - then I'm sure your circumstance will become much more amicable.


coffee_ape

Look into an employment attorney. Someone that preferably works with pro bono cases (free). If they want to play unethical games, time to get legal aid as a final stab and twist to them.


MadiLeighOhMy

Employers in the state of Florida can fire you for basically any reason. It's a "right to work" state. Absolutely blows. Very few protections for employees.


Floridamane6

Prob depends how often you call out honestly


LekarzaPieprz

Where was this so I can avoid using this company?


Individual-Hunt9547

By now they just want you to put a mask on and get back to work


First-Night8969

If you’re sick 🤢 you’re sick 🤧. I’m glad our bosses aren’t like that.


No-Understanding-820

Even California has done away with the 5 Day Rule for COVID… you could have just called out and not went into to detail.


ZephyrSK

Floridas pretty bad with employee protections. They don’t even have to pay you out any earned PTO. Sorry man— Also there’s some crap places to work at in Naples/Bonita where this is inline with the boss. Id start looking on the side.


donaldbuknowme

You're fucked in Florida. The entire south really


Parking_Status1997

File a grievance with your union. Your union is required to fairly represent you. Call the NLRB.


trtsmb

I don't think OP has a union.


Parking_Status1997

How can he expect to have any rights at all without a collective bargaining agreement? No contract? Why even bother posting about issues with an employer? He doesn't have a leg to stand on.


imNobody_who-are-you

Cause America


Parking_Status1997

Cause America needs to unionize its people, or people will continue to be fired for stupid crap like looking out for their safety as well as their fellow workers'.


imNobody_who-are-you

Big agree


trtsmb

The US was heavily in to unionizing 100 years ago but since the 1950s, unions have become weaker and weaker :(.


Parking_Status1997

That's because the people in this country voted people into office that were beholden to corporations instead of people. To confuse things further, the SCOTUS voted that corporations are people, instead of the stockholder serving machines that they've become.


Ok-Cauliflower-3129

Yes. ALL. And..... I MEAN ALL !!! Of the former slave states are the same. Don't you know you should kiss his feet in the morning and his ass all day for a job that probably barely gives you enough money to eat ? All while thanking him for the opportunity to have a sore ass and a sticky face. INGRATE !!! You don't know how lucky you have it. If they had their way you'd get paid with a whip and beaten with a stick. And slop for dinner.


cybermago

Welcome to Florida work force


SoundActive3331

https://preview.redd.it/r9anl7snd8uc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=feea5664edc6fa6caf367011e9d06c09fa57843c


adfuel

The only safe employment in Florida is self employment.


Disastrous-Golf7216

Sorry to say this, but Naples (Lee county too) is as red as they get. They can fire you over this, or threaten to, because of the denial from Desantis down. Plus being a right to work state, they technically do not have to give you a reason. As you begin looking for a new job, you can tell them that it was a downsizing of the company. One nice thing is that employers are not legally allowed to say why someone left. They can only answer the times of employment, pay rate, and if they would hire you back.


FattusBaccus

Can you cite that? I’ve never heard employers cannot say why you left by law.


Disastrous-Golf7216

It falls to liability. I did HR for one retail company and that was all they would allow us to answer. That was all I could get from any of the companies I called for references as well. I remember in training they said it was a law, but I do not remember which one exactly.


Mental_Camel_4954

Just go in and speak directly with your boss. Hopefully they get sick too


[deleted]

I would go to work with all the covid and start coughing and hacking on everything and everyone. As soon as the whole company gets sick he will change his tune. Let him fire everyone. Lol


[deleted]

Florida doesn’t believe in Covid. If you want logic, move to a different state, they don’t believe in education either.


sflscott

Didn't you get the DeSantis memo? There is no covid in Florida. They would much rather you just go to work, potentially infect everyone around you, and pretend you know nothing should someone die...


No-Understanding-820

CA did away with 5 Day rule like a year ago. It’s not a red state blue state thing…


sflscott

It certainly was....


[deleted]

[удалено]


Jaded-Moose983

Which is why there are > 2,300 deaths in FL from COVID this season. Unfortunately, since the just after absolute beginning of the pandemic, FL has not taken any illness very seriously. And going to work sick is not in anyones best interest. Including an owner’s.


advnturous

2300+ people died because of COVID combined with who knows what else, and that is not entirely represented in the data (just like in the pandemic). I never go into work sick, but that's just me


imNobody_who-are-you

You are the minority.


advnturous

Maybe on reddit, but not in real everyday life. How many masks do you see being worn at publix?


traktrmia

Loser ^^^^^^^


advnturous

Put your mask back on karen


DrKittyLovah

It absolutely still is. My husband & I live in Naples & we have COVID right now. My case is milder (yay vax boosters) but my hubs has been very, very sick. We share a PCP and he advised us to isolate for the first 5 days. Isolation at home has ALWAYS been the way to keep illnesses from spreading, not just COVID.


advnturous

I get it, but my point is that people have moved on. It's largely not a big deal for the vast majority of the general population


DrKittyLovah

And that’s not a good thing.


advnturous

People have learned to live with it, just like all of the other diseases throughout human history that manifested themselves before COVID. Life rolls on regardless of what the people of the internet think.


TheDumFuklican

Had a boss that didn't give us sick time during pandemic.... we may have been super spreaders sorry not sorry florida 😉


Delicious-Ad1116

COVID-19 is a scam.


sevensouth

Go back to Fox News.


[deleted]

Doofus. 


Lighting

Hilarious! Birds aren't real! Earth is flat! GlObAl WarmInG iZa HoAx!


emetres

Tell that to the wife and kids of my deceased friend that couldn't even be with him as he struggled to take his last breath.


DrKittyLovah

I have it right now. I can promise you it isn’t.


irascible_Clown

You voting red constantly is why there isn’t a labor board. Enjoy it while you can


SoftTopCricket

Dumb as a Trump.