No matter who you are, sometimes life can be pretty rough. And sometimes the problems we’re faced with just can’t be solved while our regular day-to-day lives continue. The boss’s attitude is often, “Not my problem. You need to work your regularly scheduled shift!” Which is why union contracts generally have provisions for leaves in these situations, and why the labor movement has always pushed for laws to protect workers from unjust terminations and discipline when they need to take time off work for emergency situations.

Michele Reed unfortunately found out how important those protections are. Michele has worked in the Home Department at the Burien Fred Meyer since 2019, and despite having worked there for almost five years, she was treated horribly when two crises hit within two weeks of each other.

First, Michele was not safe at home, and had to take time off work to relocate due to being subjected to domestic violence. In Washington State, workers are protected when having to take emergency leave for domestic violence, and employers cannot discipline or retaliate against employees who take it, even if the leave begins without notice. (When fleeing domestic violence, victims often need to maintain secrecy until they have security.) Fred Meyer unjustly suspended Michele for taking this leave.

Next, Michele’s brother was murdered, and she requested the bereavement leave guaranteed in her union contract. Fred Meyer again suspended Michele and told her she could only return if she proved that her brother was dead. The two suspensions further devastated Michele, but she did the right thing and talked to her union representative.

In both instances (one a violation of the contract, the other a violation of the law) the suspensions were overturned and Michele was fully compensated for her lost wages. Employers still do the wrong thing even when there are laws and contract language that prohibit it. Make sure you get help when life gets rocky!

For any problems on the job, make sure to contact your shop steward, union rep, or the Member Resource Center at 1-866-210-3000.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or is experiencing domestic violence, the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) is a great place to find legal, healthcare, and other resources to help. Or call them at 1-800-799-7233.

You can find these and other resources at our Member Benefits and Resources Page.