Posted by maryhelen on May 2, 2003, at 0:22:40
I don't know how to explain this without going on too long but I'll try.
I am a school secretary. I have been off work for nearly 2 years now. I love the children, community and staff at the school I work at. I also only live 2 blocks away. When you are on Long Term Disability the job at the school will be yours for 2 years. After that you are ensured a job but you don't know where. I do not want to lose this school.
Anyway, after trying to initiate a return to work meeting for over 6 months, finally it happened yesterday. I was surprised there were 2 people from my Union there as I had not asked for representation.
As the meeting progressed I was told that the principal and 'others' had claimed that I was going home at lunchtime and drinking. I was more than stunned as I don't drink. Before I had a chance to respond the Union reps called me out of the room and told me not to say anything at this time. Then they separately called out the Insurance rep and then the Board rep. I do not know what was discussed.
I'll really try to condense this. The Union guy wanted a copy of my psychiatric records as used when I applied for LTD. I agreed, but upon reading some reports there was reference to me saying 20 years ago I had a drinking problem and also some very private issues so I sent him some and told him others were too personal. He freaked out on me, also suggested I wasn't being honest, said I could be fired, was extremely unpleasant. He said the records were too old and not relevant but when I suggested a report from my current pdoc who I have been with during the whole 2 years he said no.
At the start of this 2 year leave I attended a substance abuse program for pain medication, which I told the Union reps. about and also the Board with the applications for leave. Had the principal said at times I was overmedicated either by the pain meds or constant changes of the antidepressants, of course I would have agreed. What really bothers me is that depression has not been mentioned and that is the main reason I am off work. I also asked the rep if the 2 mangement people had copies of all my reports, he said yes. I don't even know if that is appropriate.
Your Union is supposed to back you and I don't know what to do but I think I may tell the 2 reps I do not want them at the next meetings Wednesday and speak for myself.
I don't know what to do. I just really needed to vent.
Thanks
maryhelen
poster:maryhelen
thread:223776
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030426/msgs/223776.html