Undefined bereavement policy, requested two days off for fiance’s uncle’s death that was denied, unfairly fired – what recourse do I have legally?
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Undefined bereavement policy, requested two days off for fiance’s uncle’s death that was denied, unfairly fired – what recourse do I have legally?
Hi, I live in Florida. My fiance’s uncle passed away over the weekend and I told my employers about the death. I work for a small firm with no bereavement policy defined. I requested two days off to pick up my fiance from the airport and spend time with family. We have been together for 12 years and both very close with his uncle. My employers denied my request and I asked for them to either reconsider, or please subtract two days off that were granted for after our wedding because this was important. I was told that this was ‘my choice to do so.’ I took that as I was granted the time off, but would have to take the two days that were being used for after our wedding in order to do so. I didn’t hear anything on Monday, but Tuesday I was texted to call the office. I called and was fired. I feel this was insensitive, but wanted to know if I have any recourse?
Asked on August 12, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
You really have no recourse here. That is unless your treatment constituted some form of legally actionable discrimination (which it does not appear to have) or your termination violated the terms of an employment contract or union/collective bargaining agreement. The fact is that most employment relationships are "at will". This menas that a company can set the conditions of work much as it sees fit. Further, an employer can discharge an employee for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.
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