Today as I was starting my routine duties at work, the phone rang.¬ It was the director of my department requesting I meet the director of HR at his office in 20 minutes.¬ This has only happened 2 other times in my career at baxter.¬ One time I was suspended, the other time I was almost fired for having epilepsy.¬ That’s right, fired for having a disease/disability!
I didn’t get off that lucky this time.¬ My employment was terminated, and I’m still in shock.
My job required many times I not take a lunch, so I didn’t.¬ I would post this on my pay system (Kronos).¬ One day this week I got to take a lunch, so I strolled over to the cafeteria and ate as fast as I could, to get back to my duties.
I guess I mistakenly clicked the little button stating I should get paid for my lunch on that day, Oops!
The directors pulled a query of the last 3 months of my clock in/out times and showed them to me.¬ I was then asked if this was the only time I had done this.¬ I was a little scared, frightened is more like it.¬ I was unsure, but I know for a fact I did not get a lunch normally.¬ This is what I told them in my time of darkness.
I was then told by the director of HR that this offense was considered “falsifying company records,” he then went on to say it has happened a “few” times.¬ His next words are truly etched into my mind, “You will have to be terminated, I’m sorry.”
What???¬ I didn’t have a chance to give a rebuttal, or even a statement.¬ I was off the property (without my personal belongings) in less than 5 minutes.
So this might be the end to my career in the Drug Biz, Baxter has really become a company that doesn’t care about it’s employees.¬ I overheard yesterday that the turnover rate for employees is now at 28%.¬ Think about that.
So I don’t know where life is going to lead me now, I just hope I move in a good direction.¬ I now have much more on the line than just a few months ago.¬ I don’t want to lose my house, my truck, my wife, anything actually.¬
A job has always been a hard thing for me to get, it took me 3 years to get this job!
I hope I get another one soonish, my business cannot sustain me alone.
What!?! That’s utterly outrageous.
Damn, I hate Kronos.
I’m sorry this happened to you. I certainly hope that whatever gainful employment you find next, they treat you better than this.
Getting fired like that really sucks, as I know too well.
Babe, it will be fine. We will get through this, like we always do. There are lots of jobs out there – we just have to find one for you. I love you! Let’s enjoy this weekend :-).