Workplace discrimination?

[beautitudine]

I work in a retail job where I am often on my feet. When my lower back pain gets too bad or my feet and legs begin to swell I am allowed to sit on a stool at the register. Today, my back and feet have been really bad from the previous day of work and we had a couple cashiers in training who aren't allowed to be left alone. Well my manager comes up to me and tells me I need to get up and stock product after speaking with a lead who had informed him of the situation but he said it looks "bad". I know if I say anything to him I will get the short end of the stick for the rest of my pregnancy because I've seen him be vindictive before. Is it worth saying anything or is there anything I can do? I am in some serious pain today.

[qbkc]

Unless you have a medical reason with your pregnancy they don't have to let you sit. I looked up the laws for my state. I stand on my feet all day as well and I'm in pain too. I work at a convenient store and we're busy and don't have time to sit we don't get breaks or lunches either. In Missouri you have no rights unless your union not many people really understand and think you have more rights then you do. And if you get fired for not being able to do the job you were hired for you can't do anything about that either. I don't know where you live but here even if your pregnant unless you have medical complications they don't have to let you sit. Try propping your feet up when you get home and drink lots of water and lower sodium intake . Good luck

[Lacii15]

I work in the garden center at walmart and they are nice about letting me sit when i need to.

[msavalos622]

Im pretty sure its against the law for them to fire you because your pregnant. Go to human resources

[MamaBennett1984]

Look into what HR has for workplace accommodation, that might include you needing to sit whenever you need to.  If its not something they can accommodate they might be able to release you early for leave.  Look into it.

[kimbo2727]

Get your Dr to write you a letter I know it may cost money to get a letter. but the thing is if the Dr says on the letter you need to sit down when ever you feel you need to then you are covered you manager can't sack you or tell you off xx

[Guitargrrrl]

I am a manager in a retail drugstore chain. I am also 37 weeks 4 days. You should be allowed to sit from time to time. Talk to your manager and get a doctor note.  Contact human resources. Especially if his reason is that it "looks bad." They have to give you reasonable accommodations to do your job. Good luck and hang in there.

[mamichalke]

Advice from someone in HR... you can bring in a doctor's note.  But they are NOT obligated to have to follow it. If you arw not physically capable of doing the essential functions of your job,  then they have every right to tell you they can not accommodate it. Most employers try to work with you but it all boils down to what the easential functions of your job are.

[areal10]

I also work in retail & the standard is killer in the back. Stocking anything heavy may make it worse. If the merchandise is light & ca fit on a cart that is higher so you dont have to bend, then the moving around may actually help your back. But if not, I would ask your DR for a note & give it to the manager above yours. Explain that you have already spoke with him about it. It doesn't look bad when a pregnant woman is sitting while working, what looks bad is when she management doesn't take into consideration what you're body is going through. A discrimination lawsuit looks bad.

[1Desiree]

Some states have laws against that. But beware I was informed by my doctor that my work could fire me if I brought in a note stating I couldn't do certain activites, I live in Missouri. I wound up having to go on disability leave and 4 months in they fired me. Because Missouri is a right to work state that don't need a reason to fire.

[mashamaria]

I brought a note ftom doctor that i have to be able to sit at work any time i need too. Now they can't say anything. Do the same

[emi236]

I had a friend who worked retail. one day they asked her to help unload a truck. When she said she can't cause she is pregnant he fired her. Well, needless to say she didn't lose her job. But he did

[Babii_Doll_1]

Bring in a doctor's note about it,don't say anything that could make you lose your job

[AnnieBrooke]

I'd talk to the person who supervises your manager.  Say you are afraid of retribution because you have seen him do it.  Ask if there is any way to be reassigned.

[baby_aden15]

I would speak up to him and talk to ur Dr about ur pains and see what he /she says about you working but don't let them push you to the limit for ur sake and the baby I had some problems with my job like this too were not even suppose to sit down though I work at a gas station and its out of hand they expect you to do it all being pregnant and all