Man fired from his job for taking too much time caring for his dying wife - Polidicks

[IMG]http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/kyWUZjrSfhUyEYAPZWYipg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTMxMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/thelookout/heather-tom-sapienza.jpg[/IMG] [QUOTE][B]A Lawrence, Mass., man fired from his public works job for taking too much time off to care for his dying wife is preparing to file a reverse racial-discrimination lawsuit—and that's just the tip of the iceberg in a firing that has spawned its share of news.[/B]"We firmly believe that if Tom Sapienza was Hispanic and not white that he would have a job to come back to with the city of Lawrence,” Sapienza's attorney, Ellen Shimer-Brenes, [URL="http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/12009513349111/dpw-worker-fired-after-caring-for-dying-wife/#ixzz2HIlRhtdI"]told WHDH-TV[/URL]. [B]Sapienza, a 41-year-old maintenance worker at Lawrence High School, was let go by the Department of Public Works in November after refusing to return from an unpaid leave of absence to care for his 40-year-old wife, Heather Sapienza. She died Jan. 3 after a 19-month battle with brain cancer.[/B] But that's not all. On Friday, the man hired to replace Sapienza, fired police sergeant and former state Rep. Jose Santiago—whose hiring at the high school was called a "controversial move by Mayor William Lantigua" in the [URL="http://www.eagletribune.com/local/x730424680/Santiago-charged-with-restraining-order-violation"]Eagle Tribune[/URL]—was arrested for allegedly violating a protective restraining order obtained by his ex-girlfriend. Also according to the Eagle Tribune, Santiago’s ex-girlfriend obtained the restraining order in Lawrence District Court on Wednesday. Santiago, 53, violated it outside a local night club, leading to his arrest early Friday, according to police. News of the arrest prompted city council members to call for Santiago's immediate firing. “Restraining orders are in place to protect the applicant," City Councilor Daniel Rivera told the paper. "We have to deal appropriately with people who break them." Santiago, whose driver's license is currently suspended, was hired for the $15-per-hour job on Nov. 26—the same day Sapienza was delivered a pink slip signed by Lantigua. The mayor's office did not immediately return a request from Yahoo News for comment. "Most mayors left Tammany Hall behind long ago," columnist Yvonne Abraham [URL="http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/12/16/abraham/g5494w6stKYAJfGMZBv2SO/story.html"]wrote in the Boston Globe[/URL] last month. "Prodded by anti-corruption laws and public opinion, they try to avoid the appearance, if not the reality, of impropriety. Not Lantigua. He doesn’t care how dodgy he looks—even now, with two close associates indicted on corruption charges, and himself the focus of several investigations."[/QUOTE] [URL="http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/city-worker-fired-caring-dying-wife-preps-lawsuit-171249710.html"]Source[/URL]

-snip- forgot to read the start

[QUOTE=theevilldeadII;39133642]that's bullshit can't he sue them . ?[/QUOTE] He is, read the article.

Meh it's a hard situation obviously feel bad for the guy but if your the employer and your down 1 guy who won't come into work what are you supposed to do?

No damage control can save their asses now.

I got fired for having the flu once. Sort of the same concept.

[QUOTE=tarkata14;39133787]I got fired for having the flu once. Sort of the same concept.[/QUOTE] what Job where you doing and where . ?

[quote=OP]Sapienza, a 41-year-old maintenance worker at Lawrence High School, was let go by the Department of Public Works in November after refusing to return from an unpaid leave of absence to care for his 40-year-old wife, Heather Sapienza. She died Jan. 3 after a 19-month battle with brain cancer.[/quote] So he took it upon himself not to return, it wasn't because he was using his time off, it was because he didn't have any time off left and refused to comply with the company. Seriously would you pay, waste time. Not only that but the actual firing only came after breaking a restraining order, charge and arrest; If he was a state worker that is pretty run of the mill.

[QUOTE=Tucan Sam;39134153]So he took it upon himself not to return, it wasn't because he was using his time off, it was because he didn't have any time off left and refused to comply with the company. Seriously would you pay, waste time. Not only that but the actual firing only came after breaking a restraining order, charge and arrest; If he was a state worker that is pretty run of the mill.[/QUOTE] The now-fired guy didn't break a restraining order, his replacement did. Re-read the article.

[QUOTE=sambooo;39134219]The now-fired guy didn't break a restraining order, his replacement did. Re-read the article.[/QUOTE] Ah, misread that part however still, you can only take so much time off. You can't just not work and expect to come back to a job. Death's and cancer suck but a company has to have employees to run.

[QUOTE=Tucan Sam;39134291]Ah, misread that part however still, you can only take so much time off. You can't just not work and expect to come back to a job.[B] Death's and cancer suck but a company has to have employees to run.[/B][/QUOTE] Could you please re-read that sentence for me, and make sure that you're actually serious here? The man took [B]unpaid[/B] leave of absence for a very good cause. The least the employer could do is hire a temp worker for his replacement until he could return or something. At least not this bullshit they've pulled.

[QUOTE=DarkWolf2;39134342]Could you please re-read that sentence for me, and make sure that you're actually serious here? The man took [B]unpaid[/B] leave of absence for a very good cause. The least the employer could do is hire a temp worker for his replacement until he could return or something. At least not this bullshit they've pulled.[/QUOTE] In this age of litigation they pretty much have to fire him. He prolly went on Fmla leave which only lasts so long. Most companies give you a bit of time after that- but realistically they can't give you indefinitely. Article doesn't say how long he was off, but does mention a 19 month cancer battle. Short version- if a company gives him indefinite leave they would then have to give anyone else who requests it indefinite leave, or they would face a very expensive lawsuit. Not saying its right. Just saying the law doesn't really allow for "compassion".

Poor guy, loses his job then shortly after loses his wife.

[quote]a reverse racial-discrimination lawsuit[/quote] I really fucking hate this term. If it's discrimination, it's discrimination, it doesn't matter if it's against someone who's black or white or green. What's reverse about it? Otherwise, have to feel sympathy for the guy but if you don't intend to work a company can't be expected to keep you in their employ. The racism charge is a complete red herring- it really doesn't matter who was chosen to replace him, he got fired because he told them he wouldn't work, not because he's white.

what is wrong with his neck?

[QUOTE=DarkWolf2;39134342] The man took [B]unpaid[/B] leave of absence for a very good cause. The least the employer could do is hire a temp worker for his replacement until he could return or something. At least not this bullshit they've pulled.[/QUOTE] Unpaid still costs the company money, insurance claims, loss of productivity for the department, employee benefit programs, etc. It sounds harsh granted, but you can't let a position go unfulfilled forever. The article said he refused to come back after a company request, while I agree he was going through a tough time, work still has to be done.

[QUOTE=Ponder;39135237]what is wrong with his neck?[/QUOTE] His beard is dyed pink.

[quote] file a reverse racial-discrimination lawsuit [/quote] The fuck is this shit? You can't reverse a straight forward concept.

Lawrence is a crime-ridden shithole FYI. The municipal government is also corrupt as fuck... it's mandatory to have a criminal record in order to work for the city (as evidenced by the guy's "replacement")

Here's a thought; What happens when a teacher at said school gets sick or loses their job and the position has to be filled until they return or another teacher can be hired? They contact a Substitute Teacher organization who then find a suitable temp and send them to the school for the agreed period. What happens when ANY big corporation has its regular cleaning crew experience a mass-flu epidemic and call out for work for an entire week? They contact the cleaning company they hired them from and ask for more. Ironically, the school could have hired a temporary janitor for the time Mr Sapienza was going to be consoling his wife. It likely would have cost them less than it would to pay Sapienza's regular rate, not to mention the training, supplies, and other junk they've got to put into the hiring of a new employee. No, i smell something more to this. A reverse racial-discrimination lawsuit. Filed by a [u]white guy[/u]. That's pretty odd. Or the times are seriously changing. [editline]7th January 2013[/editline] [QUOTE=Keys;39137071]Here's a thought; What happens when a teacher at said school gets sick or loses their job and the position has to be filled until they return or another teacher can be hired? They contact a Substitute Teacher organization who then find a suitable temp and send them to the school for the agreed period. What happens when ANY big corporation has its regular cleaning crew experience a mass-flu epidemic and call out for work for an entire week? They contact the cleaning company they hired them from and ask for more. Ironically, the school could have hired a temporary janitor for the time Mr Sapienza was going to be consoling his wife. It likely would have cost them less than it would to pay Sapienza's regular rate, not to mention the training, supplies, and other junk they've got to put into the hiring of a new employee. No, i smell something more to this. A reverse racial-discrimination lawsuit. Filed by a [u]white guy[/u]. That's pretty odd. Or the times are seriously changing.[/QUOTE] [b]edit:[/b] i mean jesus, she had brain cancer... [B]BRAIN CANCER[/B]! How many fucking people die of brain cancer? If i was the boss i'da been like "JESUS BRO! GET THE FUCK OUT. Don't come back until she's better or you're stable. God Speed." [b]edit:[/b] And fuck your PTO. I'm still paying you.

[QUOTE=Keys;39137071] How many fucking people die of brain cancer? If i was the boss i'da been like "JESUS BRO! GET THE FUCK OUT. Don't come back until she's better or you're stable. God Speed." [b]edit:[/b] And fuck your PTO. I'm still paying you.[/QUOTE] you'd be a bad boss though. There are no easy exits

[QUOTE=Snord;39138032]you'd be a bad boss though. There are no easy exits[/QUOTE] Unpaid leave, the city doesn't pay him while he is off of work for legitimate reasons, this is also compounded by hiring a [B]fired [/B]police officer the same day he is fired.

[QUOTE=Ponder;39135237]what is wrong with his neck?[/QUOTE] Sunburn.

Is the definition of racial discrimination white men discriminating black or hispanic people? Why is the discrimination in reverse?

[QUOTE=deadoon;39138499]Unpaid leave, the city doesn't pay him while he is off of work for legitimate reasons, this is also compounded by hiring a [B]fired [/B]police officer the same day he is fired.[/QUOTE] He still collects benefits and works towards his pention, just because it is unpaid leave doesn't mean the city isn't paying for his position.

Either way, after this story I'm sure he'll get a hundred job offers.

... This is the reason TEMPORARY workers exist.