I took a job with Family Dollar store in 8/06. At the time I was working anywhere between 8-12 hour days.in the first month I began having extreme pain in my heels and ankles to the point that at the end of my shift I could barely walk. Thinking it would just take some getting used to (I have worked at a desk rather than on my feet for many years until now)
I tried inserts and several pairs of different shoes in an attempt to alleviate the pain, to no effect. I finally had to see a doctor and was diagnosed with Planter Faciitis, which is reversable so far, but not as long as I am working on my feet. Continuing to work on my feet could lead to bone spurs and surgery if I am very unlucky.
My doctor suggested I leave the job, but as there is not a lot of work available in our area, did consent to allow my to work up to 5 hours a day and wrote a note for my employer limiting me to a modified work schedule. I am looking for other work that will not require the hours on my feet on a cement floor but to date I have not received any response to my attempts.
At the beginning of February, my manager offered my a promotion to the position of second assistant manager in our store and told me that if I was willing to work six days a week (assist. Managers must work 30 hours a week by company policy) she would use me as a relief for herself and the other assist. Manager which would aleve their long hours by allowing them to work an eight hour day.
I was willing and I also agreed that if I did have to cover a longer shift in an occasional emergency (illness etc.) I would sign a waiver accepting liability for that day. I would not be scheduled for a shift longer than my modified schedule allowed, but I could cover in a pinch.
Unfortunately, my manager accepted other employment about a week into my training and I was then informed that the higher ups refused to promote me due to the fact that my physical condition required a modified work schedule and that I would only get the promotion if my doctor would release me to work up to 12 hours a day. Which of course he won't, he was unhappy about allowing even the five hours because it could advance my condition to unreversable eventually, and only did it as I needed to work to support my kids.
It was my understanding that if I am otherwise qualified for the position they could not withdraw it unless it caused undue hardship on other employees, which it would not.
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