How should I address this situation regarding my employment?

I was previously a cashier at a grocery store: Shoprite (which is a union). In January, due to extreme pain because of my flat feet, I was instructed my doctor to take about two months off of work. I was told that I would have a job when I returned from my medical leave.

Within the past two months, I have earned my high school diploma and opened up at least eleven hours a week to add to my previous availability. A couple weeks ago, I gave Shoprite my note from my doctor which allowed me to return to work.

For the past few weeks, I have failed at my attempts to contact Shoprite in regards to my return to work. Today, my calls were returned, and I was told that they were not planning on bringing me back due to the lack of openings.

I was promised that I would have a job when I was able to return to work, and it was not until after I left many messages that I was informed that I was not going to be working there. They were not planning on giving me this notice.

What should I do?

I have been applying for other jobs, but at sixteen my options are somewhat limited. I was also promised a job when I was able to return to work, and I have not been allowed to return. That is the main issue in this situation. I am not as concerned about my lack of job as I am concerned about the fact that I was told I was not going to be returning to work after I was promised a job. This is even more irritating considering they were not planning on informing me that I was not going to be working there any longer.

It is pretty easy to get a job as a cashier. Just get a job at a new grocery store.

I understand that it is frustrating, but all other options are more expensive and time-consuming then they are worth.

You have to have worked for Shoprite at least one year and give advance notice of taking this time off, with the doctor's statement before receiving any guarantee of your job being saved, and then can only be saved for a short amt of time. Do you meet these requirements? Did you fill out a FMLA form and give this to your doctor?

If you filed a workers' comp claim (you don't say you did), then you might have protection. Termination due to filing a WC claim is prohibited in most jurisdictions. The fact that they failed to communicate with you might lead one to believe they already jettisoned you for filing the WC claim.

If you did not file a WC claim, seek an atty. You may still be able to do so, but I am pessimistic. If you did not and it is too late, look for another job--you may have the same problems there, but you will be armed with the WC knowledge next time.

** Note: This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. Answering this question does not indicate an attorney-client relationship. **

well, i'm sorry about that, unfortunately, i don't think that you might be able to do much. there are some things that have to be taken in consideration, for example, how long have you worked for them? what is HR saying, (what ever they say, they should be able to provide paper work proving what they say, for example if they say "employee can only take 1 month on medical leave",) make sure that you read the paperwork, and also make notes (to your self) of how HR is treating you, like how long it takes them to respond, always take the names of people that talk to you (from HR and such) if you could communicate via e-mail or so (where you can have a record) it would be better. the good thing is that you have union, this is when they come in handy, so make sure you utilize them to the fullest, and once you return look for a job else where, and have the satisfaction of you leaving them