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Workplace respect
Hi all,
Just wanted to vent at so-called ethics/respect in the workplace. Here's the story:
I am a project manager in the IT industry, and have been contracting for the last 10 years. Until today, I was employed by a well-known gas company operating in Qld.
Also, for the last 15 years, I have suffered from a debilitating bowel disease, ulcerative colitis. Over the last 3 months, this illness has progressed to the point where medication is no longer effective, and I have been advised that I need to undergo a total colectomy (removal of the bowel). The process involves 2 stages, stage 1 is the removal of the colon, and the attachment of a colostomy bag, stage 2 is the replacement of the colostomy bag with an internal pouch (to keep the plumbing internal). The operations are to take place at least 3 months apart to allow for healing, and mean 4 weeks off work each. Stage 1 is scheduled for 22nd July, with stage 2 just prior to Xmas to minimise downtime.
Prior to my last contract renewal in May, I advised my boss of my condition, and the impacts to my availability as per the description above, to allow him to consider whether to renew my contract. I had not taken any time off through illness, and my boss was surprised that i had such a condition (ie he was happy with my work performance).This discussion, rather pleasantly, resulted in his renewing my contract not for the usual 6 month term, but for 18 months!
I have kept my boss updated all this time as and when dates become available for surgery etc.
As I write this, I am currently in hospital having suffered a flare-up that did not respond to my meds. I immediately contacted my boss to advise him that I was sick, left a message but got no reply.
My agent wrote back to me today to say my contract had been terminated.
So, fair enough, no law has been broken, and the company are within their rights to terminate a contractor unable to fulfill his duties, but WTF.
What about basic decency allowing me to believe my employment was still secure. Other than the obvious hardships, this has truly confirmed for me that ethics are dead in the Corporate workplace, and respect is a one-way street.
Disgusted
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