Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Can I be forced to go on an LOA? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by OGbananaranium
I called off the last two days because I had an allergic reaction and had to go to the hospital to make sure it wasn’t serious, and earlier today I received a text from my manager stating that if I called off another day this week she’ll “have to place me on an LOA”.
Does this response seem warranted? I never made it seem to be a big medical issue (because it wasn’t).
Idk, it just sat the wrong way with me…
Does this response seem warranted? I never made it seem to be a big medical issue (because it wasn’t).
Idk, it just sat the wrong way with me…
aint_that_right 15 points 1y ago
This is technically policy yes. She can’t place you on an LOA but you’ll need to apply for one or be at risk of immediate separation due to “inconsistent attendance”. It is EXTREMELY easy for her to separate you with this reason (she won’t even have to call HR).
I would recommend calling Sedgwick and start the application process for a medical LOA ASAP, this will cover your ass if you do end up being separated whilst waiting to hear back from Sedgwick.
Do you need the phone number babe, I can send it to you. Or the website.
I would recommend calling Sedgwick and start the application process for a medical LOA ASAP, this will cover your ass if you do end up being separated whilst waiting to hear back from Sedgwick.
Do you need the phone number babe, I can send it to you. Or the website.
OGbananaranium [OP] 4 points 1y ago
I’m just really confused, because I never call out. I don’t get why she would do this now? I’m afraid I’ll get fired if I call out for something now. Do you think I should get in contact with my DM to talk to her about it?
aint_that_right 12 points 1y ago
I do this to my people. It’s a fairness thing. 3 missed days is inconsistent attendance and I treat everyone the same so if you miss 3 days in a row you get a CALL from me and we discuss it. I’ve never had to move forward with a separation due to this reason 🤷🏼 they all apply for LOA’s, come back a few days later and I delete the Sedgwick email when it comes through!
You always have the right of escalating it to your DM but you’ll likely get the same thing I’m telling you now. With all the union stuff going on they’re drilling SM’s about equal and fair treatment which means this type of shit. It’s rarely personal!
You always have the right of escalating it to your DM but you’ll likely get the same thing I’m telling you now. With all the union stuff going on they’re drilling SM’s about equal and fair treatment which means this type of shit. It’s rarely personal!
aint_that_right 2 points 1y ago
If you’ve only missed two days and aren’t going to miss more you’re all good! Just show up to work like normal.
The rule of thumb is 3 days in a row, doesn’t matter how frequent or infrequent. If you’re constantly missing shifts generally you get performance managed a bit before you’re put onto a final (but you said your attendance is good). You’re being advised of policy, nothing more than that! Just make sure you do your due diligence when calling out (notifying the store, getting coverage if it isn’t for sudden illness, etc.) and you’ll be good!
The rule of thumb is 3 days in a row, doesn’t matter how frequent or infrequent. If you’re constantly missing shifts generally you get performance managed a bit before you’re put onto a final (but you said your attendance is good). You’re being advised of policy, nothing more than that! Just make sure you do your due diligence when calling out (notifying the store, getting coverage if it isn’t for sudden illness, etc.) and you’ll be good!
OGbananaranium [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Okay, thank you! I really appreciate it. I was really scared I was going to be fired. I’ve been a partner for 3 years and we just got a new store manager, with all the unions and what not, it’s felt a little tense as of late.
OGbananaranium [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Should I apply for one even if I’m feeling better? I don’t plan on missing any more days this week (I told her this). Does it only apply to 3 days in a row, or do we have a certain number of days we can miss per month? Like I said, I never call out, which is why this kind of scared me.
aint_that_right 1 points 1y ago
Replied above, to my own comment lol
PauseAccording20 4 points 1y ago
Are we the same person? I’ve been out for two days due to an allergic reaction with fever (unsure if it’s actually an allergic reaction now, but I also got two negative Covid tests) and my manager didn’t tell me this? I have been keeping him super up to date on what’s happening and told him I’ll be returning to work tomorrow since my fever has stayed down without medication. If this is policy it’s shitty because people get sick like that’s not a need for an LOA
OGbananaranium [OP] 1 points 1y ago
My thought exactly! Not sure when this policy was implemented, but it kind of just feels wrong to me. I feel like we should’ve been notified as well, but I never got the memo.
Electrical_Metal_106 2 points 1y ago
This is pretty standard policy with most major corporations.
Puzzleheaded-Job548 1 points 1y ago
If you have sick time tho, and use it for this, she also can’t really do anything because you earned that time to take off.
BenTeHen 1 points 1y ago
I had an emergency kidney stone that fucked me up for a week and I was fine. You’ve got a shifty shift.
vanilla_cola_ 1 points 1y ago
unfortunately, this is just policy. as the other commenter said, your best bet is to start the LOA application process (if you think you’ll miss your next shift; making it the required 3 in a row).
evilash85 0 points 1y ago
Get a doctors note . Ask the doctors for a specific amount of time you need off to recover. They can’t do crap.
aint_that_right 2 points 1y ago
Starbucks SM’s don’t accept doctors notes, you’d still end up applying for an LOA (just with a doctors note).
PauseAccording20 1 points 1y ago
Ya this is dumb they don’t accept doctors notes, it’s one thing not being required to have them but if someone gets one when they’re sick they should accept it
aint_that_right 1 points 1y ago
It’s a HIPAA compliance thing, not allowed to keep medical documentation on file/ if you do and it is left unlocked you’re (the SM) open to litigation. Better to go through a third party that can make objective decisions about medical conditions (in general this is what corporations do).
HIPPAbot 1 points 1y ago
It's HIPAA!
PauseAccording20 -1 points 1y ago
A quick Google search says that it is not a HIPPA compliance thing but it does need to separated from the employees personnel file and I’m sure secured. They just can’t call your doctors office, urgent care, etc for info on you.
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