What are my rights regading a write-up for attendance?

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What are my rights regading a write-up for attendance?

I don’t know if this is the right move asking this but I thought it couldn’t hurt. My employer doesn’t accept doctor’s notes. You can only call in 5 times a year; I’ve only called in 4 times with a doctor’s note and got a verbal warning. We get 30 sick hours a year and I still have plenty left. However, it apparently doesn’t matter. Is there anything I can do to fight this? I can’t help that I got strepthroat and can’t go to work. I don’t feel like it’s right to reprimand someone for being sick.

Asked on October 15, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Alabama

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

No, an employer may "write-up," reprimand, or criticize an employee any time they want. The reprimand and/or your personal file are not public documents, do not have any legal effect in and of themselves, and do not cause you any harm; they just represent the employer's opinions and notes about you, and they are entitled to their opinion or notes. Should they actually discriminate against you--e.g. suspend or fire, etc. you--for a medical condition or disability, that may be illegal as a violation of the anti-disability discrimination law(s)--but you can't stop them from simply expressing their displeasure, since that is not action with any consequences to you.


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