If I did not go into work due to weather conditions, can I get fired over this?
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If I did not go into work due to weather conditions, can I get fired over this?
Due to bad weather to weather I was not able to go into work. I do live farther out in the country side than the other employees at my work. I called in once to tell that I would not be able to work they told me to come in 1/2 hour later. I tried to drive but the roads were covered in a sheet of ice and I knew I would not be able to make it. I called them to tell them again that I wouldn’t be able to come in again. They said well come in 2 hours after that and ignored what everything I said to them. I chose not to go into work for my own safety. Can I get fired over this?
Asked on January 21, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Ohio
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In many states that have constant snow, there may be some laws on the books or case laws to support you but keep in mind those are few and far between. Unless this is built in to the company policy or a collective bargaining agreement through a union, you may be subject to being an at will employee and this could be considered insubordination. Your employer here gave you hours to get to work and I don't see how this would be unreasonable. You might get fired over this if you did not have personal time on the books to use or vacation time or if you had such time, advanced notice was required.
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