Any Workplace Legality Experts Out There?

[RitaE]

That was my thought. They're not seeing the larger picture, how much it costs to train a new employee, how much loyalty they might get from an employee treated well during a tough time.

There really is no way to know what kind of picture the Management is seeing.

It is possible that the Management knew before this morning that this employee did not have a good chance of working out. My husband claims he can tell by the third day whether or not he'll be cutting the new employee. Maybe they think it might be best just to cut ties at this point rather than invest resources into waiting out her missed absence. In short - either way they are going to be re-hiring and they might as well cut their losses and get started.

I doubt Management will give any reason at all for the Termination other than "We thank you for your time but we no longer wish to continue your employment." The ex-employee might blame it on not showing up after the car accident, but in truth it would be because they have seen nothing in performance leading up until this point which makes them confident that holding onto her during this time would be a benefit to the company.

 

[scrapquitler]

Isn't there FMLA or something that can help this poor woman secure her job? I feel terrible for her. From what I gather, she really needs this job.

FMLA only applies after the employee has worked a certain number of hours (somewhere around 1000, I think) so I'm sure this doesn't apply to her.

If the handbook says that an employee can be let go for not showing up during the first 90 days, then I guess that it is legal for them to fire her for that as long as it is within the state laws.