Wal-Mart's stingy sick-leave policy may contribute to swine flu's spread - Truckers' Trucking Forum

Baack · **^ Top** #1 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

So concludes a new report from the National Labor Committee that finds that employees of the Arkansas-based retail giant -- even its food handlers -- feel they have no choice but to work when they're sick. That's because the company gives workers demerits and deducts pay for staying home when they're sick or caring for sick children.

Said a worker at one Wal-Mart supercenter:

Plenty of girls are coughing their brains out. But they cannot go home because of points. Everyone comes in sick. You can't stay home and God forbid if you leave early.

The report found that the only time the company is removing sick workers from the food section is when they are coughing too loudly or violently -- and then the person is merely transferred to another department rather than being sent home.

Wal-Mart's sick-leave policy conflicts with recommendations for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which calls on employers to advise workers to be alert for symptoms of flu-like illness and to stay home if they are ill. The CDC also asks employers to allow workers to stay home to care for sick family members.

According to the NLC report, a senior vice president for Wal-Mart sent out a memo nationwide to all employees on preparing for the flu season. It told employees to "cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze," "wash your hands regularly" and "avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth":

http://www.southernstudies.org/2009/...us-spread.html

luvmyhubby · **^ Top** #2 2 Weeks Ago

Well, maybe someone needs to tell the big W to wake up and do the right thing....but doubt that will happen.

Roadmedic · **^ Top** #3 2 Weeks Ago

You think this type of policy is just restricted to Walmart?

luvmyhubby · **^ Top** #4 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadmedic

You think this type of policy is just restricted to Walmart?

HECK NO but Wal Mart was the one mentioned in the article~

Roadmedic · **^ Top** #5 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvmyhubby

HECK NO but Wal Mart was the one mentioned in the article~

I understand.

But, in reality, we are going to be exposed by many of the people in similar jobs.

Consider the company driver for instance.

roadkill439342 · **^ Top** #6 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadmedic

I understand.

But, in reality, we are going to be exposed by many of the people in similar jobs.

Consider the company driver for instance.

I am a "company" driver, and if I am sick, I just don't work; at all.
If I am home, I stay home, if I am OTR, I stay in my truck and sleep.
I don't care if the company likes it or not. "I" make the rules.

kajidono · **^ Top** #7 2 Weeks Ago

I don't get sick so I really don't have a stake in this. People should be able to take time off when sick, though. This work yourself to death (make sure to breed first) thing is getting old.

Roadmedic · **^ Top** #8 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadkill439342

I am a "company" driver, and if I am sick, I just don't work; at all.
If I am home, I stay home, if I am OTR, I stay in my truck and sleep.
I don't care if the company likes it or not. "I" make the rules.

There are exceptions to all cases.

Consider most of the company drivers at the slave companies.

luvmyhubby · **^ Top** #9 2 Weeks Ago

Hubby seldom if ever has been sick but twice in the last 8 years when he was sick, he was REALLY SICK! Last time he was out, simply told dispatch that morning and it was fine. He got up and around the next day and moved the next....they were fine with that....guess he was lucky.

Working Class Patriot · **^ Top** #10 2 Weeks Ago

Back when I worked in construction..a Union job BTW.....
Nobody could call in sick......
Hell...I even went to work suffering from food poisoning..
If you missed a day of work for being sick...you got punished and sat on the dock......

I'm much better off now even with the HOS game we play.....
Before...I used to pull all nighters on damages and leaks...Then went to the "Day job" that morning......
We used to roll through on Double-time for that...until the Unions caved in...then after 7 am...the clock started over.........

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Truckers' Trucking Forum/Message Board - The Premiere Truck Driver Forum

The Following User Says Thank You to luvmyhubby For This Useful Post:
RACEFAN (2 Weeks Ago)

The Following User Says Thank You to Roadmedic For This Useful Post:
Working Class Patriot (2 Weeks Ago)

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to roadkill439342 For This Useful Post:
luvmyhubby (2 Weeks Ago), Working Class Patriot (2 Weeks Ago)

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)