Should I Take Employers To Court? RSS feed

Anonymous
I started a new job three week ago. It’s a weird position - the dad works odd jobs and is mostly home. The mom is in healthcare. They have canceled 3 times. Last week Wednesday I was really ill and had to cancel. They told me to take the rest of the week off. I was negative for COVID but my doctor thinks I have bronchitis. I was still sick on Monday and asked the dad whether he was comfortable with me coming in. I told him I was sick but said I would work since I was not contagious. He said not to come in.

I started feeling a little better that day and texted him twice with no response about working on Tuesday. I texted both parents on Tuesday with no response. I texted them today and no response. I’m assuming I’m fired but I’m mad that they have not responded to me. The mom is really bad with communication and even blew off our first phone interview. I understand missing work is on me, but the fact that they can’t even let me know what’s going on is rude and unprofessional. They also owe me money that I assume I will never get. I don’t know if I should let it go or tell them I will be taking them to small claims court for the money I’m owed?
Anonymous
Make sure you have a doctors note, no matter what. Proof.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I started a new job three week ago. It’s a weird position - the dad works odd jobs and is mostly home. The mom is in healthcare. They have canceled 3 times. Last week Wednesday I was really ill and had to cancel. They told me to take the rest of the week off. I was negative for COVID but my doctor thinks I have bronchitis. I was still sick on Monday and asked the dad whether he was comfortable with me coming in. I told him I was sick but said I would work since I was not contagious. He said not to come in.

I started feeling a little better that day and texted him twice with no response about working on Tuesday. I texted both parents on Tuesday with no response. I texted them today and no response. I’m assuming I’m fired but I’m mad that they have not responded to me. The mom is really bad with communication and even blew off our first phone interview. I understand missing work is on me, but the fact that they can’t even let me know what’s going on is rude and unprofessional. They also owe me money that I assume I will never get. I don’t know if I should let it go or tell them I will be taking them to small claims court for the money I’m owed?


Lawyer here: You are hire at will. They can tell you not to work, and you will need to abide by that. However,r if you are owed money befeore you would have a claim in court. Curious how much money is it?

Anonymous
You are going to sue over you getting sick, demanding to come in sick, and them not responding immediately? You are sick. Stay home.
Anonymous
They probably have had a busy day with covering for childcare and working. Basically you texted them on Tuesday twice with no response and Wednesday is second day you haven't heard from them. I would give it another day. Maybe they are trying to figure out their comfort level in terms of you returning after being sick.

Have you asked them about the money owed to you? Before thinking about filing a claim with court, make sure you've asked them for money owed and not just assumed you are fired. Also, do you have a contract? What does it say about severance pay, sick days, and termination?
Anonymous
OP here. It’s a little under $700. They haven’t responded to me since Monday. I have texted both the mom and dad and they haven’t responded. I also told them that I understand if they no longer want to work with me and to let me know when to pick up the money I’m owed. The dad is home all day and can easily text me. It’s rude and disrespectful for them not to text me back. Yes I’ve sick but I’ve been very understanding with them canceling 3 times. I think they should reply to me and at least let me know what’s going on.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:They probably have had a busy day with covering for childcare and working. Basically you texted them on Tuesday twice with no response and Wednesday is second day you haven't heard from them. I would give it another day. Maybe they are trying to figure out their comfort level in terms of you returning after being sick.

Have you asked them about the money owed to you? Before thinking about filing a claim with court, make sure you've asked them for money owed and not just assumed you are fired. Also, do you have a contract? What does it say about severance pay, sick days, and termination?


OP here. They don’t need any backup childcare because the dad is at home all day. He had projects lined up that fell through and he’s home all day. The days I was there he spent most of the time talking to me or relaxing and watching tv.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:They probably have had a busy day with covering for childcare and working. Basically you texted them on Tuesday twice with no response and Wednesday is second day you haven't heard from them. I would give it another day. Maybe they are trying to figure out their comfort level in terms of you returning after being sick.

Have you asked them about the money owed to you? Before thinking about filing a claim with court, make sure you've asked them for money owed and not just assumed you are fired. Also, do you have a contract? What does it say about severance pay, sick days, and termination?


OP here. I’m assuming I’m fired somebody I feel they at least would have gotten back to me if I wasn’t. I asked them for the money and to know when I can pick it up. I stupidly did not do a contract because the parents didn’t want to do one. There are no sick days, severance pay, or guaranteed hours. It’s a short-term until they move at the end of the year.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:You are going to sue over you getting sick, demanding to come in sick, and them not responding immediately? You are sick. Stay home.


OP here. I’m sick and I understand their caution. I’m mad because I have been asking whether I’m needed since they didn’t say anything about the next day and they never responded about Tuesday or Wednesday. They owe me money and won’t respond.
Anonymous
They owe you the money. I find it unprofessional that they have not responded to you. I would let them know you plan to take them to small claims court if they don’t pay you. Next time have a contract.
Anonymous
I think you could mention to them that you are prepared to go to Small Claims Court. If you're in DC, this page is helpful to give you an idea of the process: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/civil-matters/requesting-10k-or-less

Is there any chance at all they are not getting your emails or messages? Have you tried at least two ways to reach them? Just trying to cover all your bases.

If they owe you money and are not responding, they are in breach of contract (assuming you had one).
Anonymous
I don't think you'd win in court. You have no contract. A verbal agreement is not a binding contract in a court of law.
Anonymous
Try calling them or email first
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Try calling them or email first


OP here. I have called, texted, and emailed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and they have ignored me. Haven’t actually told me I’m fired but they haven’t responded to any of my text messages about if they still need my help or wanted me to come in now that I’m feeling better. I finally asked for the money I’m owed and they still haven’t responded. I know they are getting my texts because it says “ read” on it.
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