Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2002 18:06:48 -0400
Subject: PUPT: discrimination


hmmm... I think there are things called laws governing larger companies. Something like if you have 15 plus employees (not sure on the number) you must provide 'reasonable accomodations' for disabilities or people who are unable to fulfill a duty at a job.

If I have sciatica, sleep disorder or epilepsy or ADD, I do expect that my supervisor is to give me reasonable accomodations.  If they don't, the company is in deep doodoo.
 
I personally don't tell my employers if I have a disability because I don't expect nor want accomodations.  It is within my legal right to do so.  They cannot ask.  The job market is so tight, an interviewer looks for every reason not to hire you. 

I have always managed to get out of the 'driving clause'for driving a van or truck is something I refuse to do. "Oh, I never got my New York driver's license." or I'll say I have too many traffic violations, etc. Maybe it's sneaky, but I think it's sneaky of the organisations to expect someone with my education, experience, qualifications, etc. to be a chauffer.  At one of my jobs, my supervisor got into several accidents and crashed the organisation's van.  He never wanted to drive, but felt forced to.  Now, who cost the company more: him or me??  It could have very well been me if I hadn't circumvented those requirements.

I will lift 35-40 lbs, but obviously can't lift something that's 2/3s or more my weight. If I have a bad day & my back is out, so is lifting and/or pushing wheelchairs.  Again, this is has never been a problem, but I also try to be wary & not get hired by a potentially abusive employer.  Most reasonable people will make accommidations.

Mary, you mentioned circumstances that people who are obviously unqualified.  A high school dropout is obvious not qualified for a position that the title required a graduate degree.  A person with a GED with an interest in art  and draws hearts & flowers, shouldn't be getting an art therapy position (although where I currently live, if they are buddies with people who work there, they'll get it over me because of the lousy politics here). However, as I have a degree in art therapy, it is assumed that I have all the qualifications for such a position.  Anything beyond that, is considered superflous and up to me whether I want to or not.
And I do consider van driving and other duties as superflous. I once had a disagreement with a superviser & I said it wasn't in the job discription.  We looked at the job discription and I was right!  I didn't have to do it.

Everytime I go to a job interview, I ask for a job description.  If they don't have one, I make it clear I need one before I except a job offer.  Any time one is not available, that means they can change their minds, change the requirements, and potentially use me as a gopher and whipping boy.  I've been around for too long to tolerate abuse and take less desired situations.  It may take longer to get a job in these horrid time for employment, but I don't see the point of getting into an unhealthy situation.

Wayong


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