Campfire

[Bethers]

I hate most that, from what you say, the company is claiming to deny his unemployment. All they can do is fight it. And companies usually lose the fights unless they have ask the i's dotted and t's crossed with documentation that his leaving was just and something that would stop unemployment. So if he filled and was turned down, definitely fight it.

Sorry they are going through this.

[bikerchic777]

BJ...I was fired from a dental office, years ago, when I was an Orthodontic Assistant. They let me stay until the kids got out of school, for the summer, but gave me a final date. The doctors contested my claim. I remember hearing them say, at lunch one time, how they had only had to pay on one claim. I had already moved to another state, and started a new job, when I got the denial letter. I fought it and had a phone hearing, where one of the drs was present and we had a mediator. We each stated our case. The dr said that I had quit. Thank God, I had documented all of our meeting dates and what was discussed. That came in handy! I was prepared and read off all of it. We were each allowed a quick rebuttal. The dr was caught off guard by my preparedness and was grabbing at straws Out of desperation, he said that the other girls in the office told him that I had fornicated in the break room with my boyfriend I wasn't supposed to talk, during his statement, but I said WHAT???? The mediator said that didn't pertain to the case and if he had a problem with me, he should have discussed it with me. I just said that no such thing had happened and I was fired for no reason. The mediator said the hearing was over and I would be notified, by mail, of the decision. I won the case In hindsight, I wish I would have sued for sexual harassment. I would have come out much better. I pursued the case, more out of principal, since I had another job. Turns out, I got fired from that job, also, and went back on that claim for a year, before finding my new career opportunity, as a Certified Optician. I had two young children and was newly divorced when all of that happened. It was still tight, but we survived

I sure hope my job, here, gets better! As of right now, I'm not liking it Allison is not very organized and it's driving me nuts! She worked closing, last night. Instead of prepping for the Mother's Day Brunch, she moved one of the bookshelves, that we put back in it's original spot. Remember, we got new carpet in the lodge? I spent a lot of time organizing all of the books, etc, and putting on the shelves, and cleaning. So, this morning, there was just the two of us and no prep done Rather than keeping it simple, it was an elaborate buffet. WAY, WAY TOO MUCH FOOD!!! So much waste! She did call in a couple of the housekeeping gals to help cook, which helped, but she didn't instruct how much to cook, so we cooked way too much. She didn't even have the flower centerpieces ready, which could have been done and in the walk-in cooler. I'm not a food service expert, but she has been working here for something like 9 years and hasn't figured it out, yet! Not to mention, a health inspector would shut that kitchen down, if they came in. Again, I'm no expert, but even I see a ton of no no's. I ended up doing all of the dishes and clean up. It was huge! No thank you. Nothing. I asked where all the volunteers were that they brag about. I asked why she doesn't put out a sign up sheet for them and put specific jobs, including clean up crew. She said they may not show up or do just do whatever they want, anyway. I've seen this system work great and people are more likely to show up and do what they sign up for. Oh...Allison had told me that whoever closes at night is supposed to clean the restrooms. Guess what? I have cleaned them every morning, since I started. It is more of a housekeeping position than activities. I'm feeling like I need a Plan B.

[BarbaraRose]

I don't think they knew they could fight an unemployment denial .

That is what the company is banking on. They are hoping people don't know enough to look into it and/or don't know who or how to pursue it.

[monik7]

Linann and Judy JB Thank you so much for taking the time to post all that helpful information. I have forwarded it to the family. Not only will it give them the places they need to contact it will also give them much needed hope. I don't think they knew they could fight an unemployment denial and are really feeling rather desperate.

BJ, I worked for 11 years for the California Employment Development Department (Unemployment Insurance) as an Adjudicator - another term for judge. It was my job to interview the claimant to determine the circumstances of the person's unemployment. I then interviewed the employer to get their side. If the person was fired, the employer had to show there was misconduct. Following that, I would get rebuttals from the claimant and the employer. The best defense against wrongful termination was to have documentation of what went on during the claimant's employment. If he has records of his positive reviews during all those years of employment that would be good. Once I had as much information as possible, I had to make a decision on eligibility based on the State's laws for unemployment insurance eligibility. A good adjudicator should be able to ask the right questions of both sides in order to make a decision based on the law. Sometimes it was very hard to have to deny a claim based on the law. I did not enjoy my job for that reason. I would suggest an appeal and locating as much supporting documentation as possible. Are there any other current or former employees who would be willing to provide information on what went on and conditions within the company? I sure hope he's successful. Tell him not to give up.
Sandi

[JudyJB]

If you ever get fired or laid off from a job, you will most likely not have time to gather documents from drawers or from your work computer. So, on a regular basis, you should do the following:

* Keep copies of all performance reviews at work, but keep the originals in a folder at home.
* Print out and take home any emails regarding your performance or things you are accused of doing. Also, send a copy of the email to your home email account, if you can.
* Ditto for printing out and taking home any emails where you were told you did a good job on something by your boss, other employees, or customers. You may need these for evidence as Sandi points out.
* Make sure you keep your computer clean of any personal files that can be held against you. That goes not only for files but for emails. In fact, you should never send any emails out that you would not want posted on the bulletin board. If you want to say something confidentially to someone, say it in person or via personal phone, but not a company-owned phone. (Check out the thousands of sexy text messages Detroit's infamous, now in jail, ex-mayor sent to his girlfriend that were printed in full in the local newspapers a few years ago! deleting messages from a company-owned phone is useless because they already have copies on their servers.)

I gave lots of notice when I retired and was given two weeks notice when I was laid off in 2001, but I have had lots of colleagues who got the bad news and then were escorted to their desk, not allowed to open up their computers, and had to pack up personal belongings under the watchful eyes of HR. After I witnessed this a few times, I lived my work life as if I could be let go at any time. Being escorted out of the building is more the rule these days than the exception. I think it makes the person seem like a thief and is really tacky, but that is what is done.

PS- Add time sheets and pay stubs to that list!

[BarbaraRose]

Linda, sorry to hear your job isn't what you thought it would be. Yep, you need a plan B. How about helping Beth out in South Dakota for the summer? Then you would be closer to your mom and daughter/grandkids.

[bikerchic777]

Linda, sorry to hear your job isn't what you thought it would be. Yep, you need a plan B. How about helping Beth out in South Dakota for the summer? Then you would be closer to your mom and daughter/grandkids.

She doesn't have any openings, unless she lets someone go She did tell me about a motel desk job, there. I applied for a job, as Campground Attendant, back in IA. I'm praying I get it! I can tell my mom is wishing I was back there. At age 97, her memory is starting to falter, and it would be nice to spend more time with her while we can both enjoy it. It would be nice to possibly attend my family reunion, which I've missed for the past few years. Also, I wouldn't have to squeeze medical and dental appointments into a couple of weeks. My ear is still giving me trouble, so really need to see a specialist. I would also like to be able to spend some time with my DD and the grandkids. Maddie has been wanting to come and spend some time with me, so it would be much more doable. Lots of positives. Prayers appreciated

I had a visit with another workamper, here, who has worked here for 9 years. Let's say we both had similar issues with my supervisor. She said she used to work in activities, but moved to housekeeping because of the things I'm dealing with. What does that tell you? Glad to know it's not just me. Even Rick is noticing how she is and he understands why I want to leave.

Rick and I went into Napa, today. We went to the farmer's market. I bought strawberries, apricots, lettuce, tomato, and local honey. Enjoyed visiting with some of the vendors, as it wasn't too busy. We went to Home Depot, then to lunch and Walmart. Didn't like the Walmart. I'm surprised at some of the ones that say they're a "Super Walmart". This one was smaller, laid out weird, and doesn't have some things. I was going in circles, trying to find things The road was even more winding than going the other direction! You really have to be alert. You can tell the people who drive it all the time. I pull over to let them pass.

One more day off, then back to work. Allison is off Wed and Thu, so she'll probably leave me a to do list a mile long. It's supposed to rain Thu morning. We need it so badly. Sure hope a lot gets done at the pool, before then, but not likely. It's supposed to open this weekend. Ya.

[JudyJB]

Sorry about the Napa Walmart, Linda. It was an old K-Mart that they moved into, and it has hardly any groceries. In addition, as you discovered, it is dark and dreary. Land is so precious in Napa, it is doubtful they will every have a Super Walmart. There is a better one in Vacaville or Fairfield. Prices for everything are high in CA, especially Napa. Also, while the valley has a lot of wealthy people, Napa itself is lower-middle class. It is 70% Hispanic and many of those are ex-field workers, so a lot of resident poor people in Napa and parts of Napa County. My son speaks Spanish to a lot of his high school kids.

[JudyJB]

Saw an orthopedic hand surgeon today at Cleveland Clinic about my left-hand trigger finger that is starting to cause me problems after cortisone shots last October and in October 2013. I was glad to get another shot and very impressed with the size of this huge facility.

I had not had breakfast, so at about 1:00 p.m., I stopped into the Au Bon Pain restaurant in the clinic building where my appointment had been. I bought a almond bear claw pastry and a raspberry-cream cheese croissant--one for now and one for breakfast tomorrow. Then I discovered that they had no pop (soft drinks for those non-Midwesterners) of any sort with sugar in it--diet drinks only. I was told the hospital was trying to make people healthier so had taken any drinks with sugar or corn syrup out of all of their buildings, including vending machines. Apparently, a few years ago, they even shut down the McDonalds because it was unhealthy, but are diet drinks really an improvement?? And what about the sugar-encrusted pastries I bought?

And apparently, they are taking things with sugar in it out of patients' meals. My solution? I went down the road to the nearby McDonalds and got a real Coke.

http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/inde ... rages.html

[SoCalGalcas]

Linda, sorry to hear of your Unsatisfactory job. It sounded so good when you first got it. Hopefully things will turn better in the near future. lyn

[grammynmaggie]

JudyJB...from what i have been reading about diet drinks they are worse than drinking regular pop...

[Bethers]

JudyJB...from what i have been reading about diet drinks they are worse than drinking regular pop...

Yep, diet ones are bad - but so is the sugar in the regular - which might not be as bad if not for the amount of it. Our use of sugar and sugar substitutes is absolutely scary.

[snowball]

I think the issue I have is that someone is telling me what I need to do...give me the information
don't take away my choice ...I don't do diet drinks...but then at the same time I don't drink pop or soda
or whatever the term is every day....some times not even a can a week...so my feelings are it's my choice
now I'll step off the soap box
sheila
and what I've heard about diet drinks...........

[JudyJB]

The really weird and nonsensical thing, is that they sold me two pastries that were full of sugar and fat, but would not sell a regular Coke. The thing is to limit the amount of what you eat and drink. I buy soft drinks in the 12 oz bottles with lids, drink part and put in back in the refrigerator. I seldom drink more than one 12 oz. bottle per day and drink water the rest of the time. I am not a coffee drinker at all, and I had not had a pastry in weeks.

I have two very thin grandchildren in Napa, ages 8 and 10. The older one is a boy who we joke has no rear end at all. He is average in height, but is still wearing some size 6 shorts because he is so skinny. He eats well, in fact, he has been caught eating the free school breakfast after eating breakfast at home and eating not only the lunch his parents packed, but also buying his lunch because he has an account set up at the school for buying lunches. Doctor says he is fine, just growing. (My son is 6'3" tall and only recently passed 165 pounds, so grandson comes by this naturally.) His sister at least has hips but is similarly thin.

And what bothers me is that they are cutting back on calories (fat, sugar, or breads) from school lunches because of childhood obesity. The problem is that there are lots of kids who need every calorie they can get. And a lot of these kids come from poor families, not like my son's family that can afford two lunches for their child if he wants them. They are making some very bad assumptions that all kids are the same. Another problem is that there have been a lot of reports that the foods they are cutting, like pizza, are the ones the kids like. So reports are that a lot more food is being thrown out in schools. Why not make pizza with more cheese to make it healthier instead of dumping it?

OK, I will stop ranting now. I just dislike these broad-brush stroke "solutions" to things that are not a problem for all people.

[MandysMom]

I agree Judy, we all know it's possible to make food kids will eat that tastes good and has high nutrients, such as adding veggies and cheese to that pizza. Makes one really wonder if the people making decisions have any clue what children are really like. There are entire books out now on how to make food that is high in nutrition and that kids will actually eat. Maybe those making decisions should take time to read.
And then there is the list that showed ketchup as a vegetable?
Velda