Great lunch

A couple of big bosses from my work took me out for lunch today and informed me that no matter what when I'm ready to come back to work, even in a different capacity, there is a place there for me.

They know I've been concerned about my future employment, and told me I have nothing to worry about. I've been on sick leave, then on LTD since Feb '09.

To qualify for LTD for the first 2 years I have to be unable to preform 60% of my normal duties, so I qualify easily.

After 2 years, I must not be able to do any job, for any company, that pays at least 75% of what my income was when I stopped working in order to qualify....this is where my concern is...I don't even have to have a job, just having the ability to work would be enough to disqualify me.

So far both my GP and my Neuro say 'no work', but hopefully this will change.

It's nice to know that even if my abilities are limited, my company is willing to make room for me, in my current location. It's a big relief!

For these two high up managers to take the time to pick me up at home and treat me to lunch and reasure me is just awesome!

Lunch was good too.

Mike

[jensequitur]

That was really nice of them!

[Lulu54]

I still believe in the kindness of strangers and supervisors.  It is great to read your story -congratulations on being wanted.

be well, Lulu

[Sarahsmom46]

If you work in the private sector, not a  Federal  employee, then I think your company should get well-deserved recognition for being so forward thinking.  

If we could get other private industry companies to think the same way, then I believe that people would not try to "milk" they system and would get back to work as soon as they are ready and their doctor clears them.  

Thanks for sharing this bright and positive experience with us.  

-Julie

[Csativa]

You are truly a lucky man.  So many of us have been shafted the first chance they get )(Gee, you think I'm a little touchy?)

Employers with compassion and dignity, honesty are a dying breed. Good luck to you Mike.

Frank

[doublevision1]

That's wonderful, obviously you are a very valued employee.

ps to Julie:  Employers in all jurisdictions (fed/prov) in Canada are subject to a duty to accommodate employees with disabilities to the point of undue hardship, public and private sector alike.  Not all employers do it as well or as willingly as Mike's company has done, but the laws are in place to protect employees in all sectors, for which we are very fortunate.  

[johnniebear]

I think  that's great that they support & want you back,  even if your not  unable work due to Dr note, and not to mention the impact on your funds.

It sure helps me knowing people aren't that fearful of us MS'ers.
We are production people !!!


How's the weather way up there Mike?
Its summer time here in the midwest, upper 80's and low 90's & humid


John

[sllowe]

I'm glad they respect and appreciate you buddy.
What a good lunch indeed!

-Shell

[Sparkysarah]

Sometimes it is heartwarming to be valued and appreciated by others, and especially your employers so I am glad that you have been recognised, understood and shown some compassion.

Just don't forget to keep reminding yourself of your own strengths and value yourself..as it is easy when out of the workplace to lose confidence and a sense of identity. Keep your options open as you are doing and who knows what doors may open for you in the future.

Thanks for sharing your positive news.

Cheers, Sarah

[Mike_Shuswap]

Thanks for the responses everybody! It's fun sharing good news with you folks!

Julie, It is a private sector company I work for and your right, they are forward thinking and should be recognized for it. As doublevision1 pointed out, there are labor laws in Canada regarding these issues, but not all companies are as quick to do the right thing as my company when it comes down to it.

The fact is that if I have to return in a different capacity due to medical/physical limitations, there is no current job in my area for me to do, the few of us in this area all do the same job.....they would have to create a position to suite my needs, and it blows my mind to think they would do this for me! I am humbled.

Jb, yup, it's summer here in south central BC too, but the weather has really been up and down. 28 celsius for a few days (i think that's about 75 f) then down to 12 c or so with thunder storms, wind and rain.....weird summer so far.

Last Sunday I watched a houseboat trying to navigate in 40 kmh winds with 70 kmh gusts on the lake (he gave up and beached it) and I saw another houseboat (unmaned)
drag anchor all the way to the end of the bay where it kinda reset then swung into a sailboat at dock, again and again. You know, nice summer weather, lol.

cheers everybody,

Mike