The system is set up such that if you lose your job you lose your health insurance, for you and your children.
And if you miss a paycheck you’re toast. Probable eviction notice in the future. Paycheck to paycheck living is real, even more so in the post 2020 world.
I’m guilty of it too but most people living paycheck to paycheck could avoid it. Bottom thirdish is definitely stuck in the poverty trap but most could cut their expenses if they tried.
American here: worked jobs from digging ditches to writing software… This only happens if you let it.
If it’s offered and it’s free, check the times with the boss, if a reasonable reschedule (like "I’d really like you with me in a meeting at 10, can you take the 11 appt? Sure.) , Do it. Else, keep the appt and have your employment docs on hand for reference as needed.
Which naturally means it’s impossible for it to be an issue for literally anybody else anywhere at any time
And no, before some dumb fuck has any bright ideas, I’m not saying this will be an issue for everybody, just that it’s absolutely fucking idiotic to pretend it’s never an issue.
I got smoked out a company I helped found because I had health issues, even though I was still capable of doing my job. It’s illegal to fire people for health issues, but it’s not like firing someone is the only way to get rid of them.
Everybody who’s telling you you can legally use these appointments is probably completely correct. Whether the legality actually matters is another thing entirely.
The issue lays not with legality (it’s obviously illegal), but with a person’s (financial) ability to pursue legal recourse.
BUT, finances aside, people should always document everything. In person meeting or phone call? Follow up with an email recapping what was discussed. Make sure to take notes so you’re not relying solely on your memory.
Look for lawyers who would be willing to work on contingency. This is where they get paid when you get paid. If you have some money saved, you might be able to get away with retaining the lawyer.
Obviously a lot of people cannot afford a lawyer, and that’s a damn shame. Companies count on this fact and use it against their employees. But by documenting everything, you at least send a message to the company that you’re willing to fight back and that maybe enough in some cases to deter them (a long shot).
Also check with your state’s labor board to see what, if any, resources are available for workers in these type of cases.
I guess you could ask the question of someone (line manager most likely) - "Hey I saw that all these appointments are in working hours - does that mean I’m meant to take them during work time? How does it work?” - ie just play innocent and at least get clarity from them on what they understand it to mean.
Oh you sweet summer child
This an American thing? This is exactly what happens in the UK.
Ikr
Man these people need to start rioting, why the fuck are you lot rolling over
Living paycheck to paycheck.
even more reason to riot
The system is set up such that if you lose your job you lose your health insurance, for you and your children.
And if you miss a paycheck you’re toast. Probable eviction notice in the future. Paycheck to paycheck living is real, even more so in the post 2020 world.
paycheck to paycheck isn’t “the system”, or there’s no way 40% of people would be able to avoid it
Specific to the USA “70-78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck” source
I’m guilty of it too but most people living paycheck to paycheck could avoid it. Bottom thirdish is definitely stuck in the poverty trap but most could cut their expenses if they tried.
Bootlicker spotted.
If everybody just worked harder, we wouldn’t have poor people 🤡
American here: worked jobs from digging ditches to writing software… This only happens if you let it.
If it’s offered and it’s free, check the times with the boss, if a reasonable reschedule (like "I’d really like you with me in a meeting at 10, can you take the 11 appt? Sure.) , Do it. Else, keep the appt and have your employment docs on hand for reference as needed.
Not American, but excellent try anyhow.
I’ve worked many different jobs in various sized companies and this wouldn’t be an issue.
Which naturally means it’s impossible for it to be an issue for literally anybody else anywhere at any time
And no, before some dumb fuck has any bright ideas, I’m not saying this will be an issue for everybody, just that it’s absolutely fucking idiotic to pretend it’s never an issue.
At least one person seems to live in reality. I would love to live in the ideal world the other posters think we live in, though.
Asininity aside, lawfully I can make this appointment. I will also find myself looking at unemployment or a PIP for “performance reasons”…
I got smoked out a company I helped found because I had health issues, even though I was still capable of doing my job. It’s illegal to fire people for health issues, but it’s not like firing someone is the only way to get rid of them.
Everybody who’s telling you you can legally use these appointments is probably completely correct. Whether the legality actually matters is another thing entirely.
The issue lays not with legality (it’s obviously illegal), but with a person’s (financial) ability to pursue legal recourse.
BUT, finances aside, people should always document everything. In person meeting or phone call? Follow up with an email recapping what was discussed. Make sure to take notes so you’re not relying solely on your memory.
Look for lawyers who would be willing to work on contingency. This is where they get paid when you get paid. If you have some money saved, you might be able to get away with retaining the lawyer.
Obviously a lot of people cannot afford a lawyer, and that’s a damn shame. Companies count on this fact and use it against their employees. But by documenting everything, you at least send a message to the company that you’re willing to fight back and that maybe enough in some cases to deter them (a long shot).
Also check with your state’s labor board to see what, if any, resources are available for workers in these type of cases.
I guess you could ask the question of someone (line manager most likely) - "Hey I saw that all these appointments are in working hours - does that mean I’m meant to take them during work time? How does it work?” - ie just play innocent and at least get clarity from them on what they understand it to mean.
In writing, ideally!