The shock of unemployment becomes a pathology in its own right. ~Robert Farrar Capon, “Being Let Go,” New York Times, 5 August 1984
I’m currently embroiled in a nasty conflict between the Temp Agency I was working for and the PA Unemployment IC that has me so frustrated that if I still had hair…I’d pull it out.
I was let go from my assigned postion on May 30, 2008…due to no fault of my own. The assignment ended and I left with a Letter of Recommendation.
I called the Temp Agency on my last day of work and inquired about available positions. I was told there were none and to call back the following week. They recorded that they sent me on an interview for a Customer Service Representative position on May 30, 2008 and that I refused to take the job.
When I filed my claim with PA Unemployment IC I was denied because the Temp Agency told Unemployment I REFUSED WORK.
It’s been a back and forth, he said, she said, stressful battle between all both parties for the past three weeks and I’m frazzled.
I filed the necessary paperwork with PA Unemployment IC and now I have to wait.
I keep calling the Temp Agency, documenting EVERY SINGLE CALL, and leaving messages. Only when I left a message for the Temp Agency’s OWNER did I get a return call…however this week I’m getting bounced around AGAIN.
I’ve threatened the Temp Agency with an ADA discrimination suit because they are aware of the fact that I have cancer and I fit the criteria of having a disability under the ADA guidelines yet they are refusing to place me in a job when they have available positions. I know my rights and I’m familiar with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
But why? Why does it have to come to all of this? Why do people have to be so stupid, so idiotic and so daft? Why?
Edit: I’m asking why in the rhetorical sense out of utter frustration in a system that I seem to be powerless in. I’m completely and utterly frustrated. That’s what I wish to convey. Not that I’m actually questioning the idiocy of a Temp Agency and PA Unemployment IC.
I hope that my frustration is what comes across…LOUD AND CLEAR!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
blondefabulous 07.01.08 at 3:11 pm
It’s just like asking why do insurance companies take our money so happily, but don’t help us when we need it the most? Or why are we all hurting with record gas prices, but the oil companies are showing record profits? Why did my job say it was supportive of me, but when my child falls ill, treats me like a leper because I have to ask for time off to care for him?
I try not to think too much on these things…. I just get disgusted.
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james r. 07.01.08 at 3:14 pm
I’m sorry they’re being such bastards to you. I hope this all gets resolved in your favour soon.
Asthmagirl 07.01.08 at 3:26 pm
I was talking with my dad about a similar subject the other night and he noted that some people only come with one skill set, buearocracy. They become civil servents because that’s all they can do. They don’t always know how to help you, but they’re very good at rules. Perhaps your employment agency has accidently hired civil servants?
(I apologize to any civil servants I may have inadvertanly offended)
I hope this is resolved soon.
HeatherK 07.01.08 at 3:57 pm
dh is a lawyuh. have you contacted Pennsylvania Human Relations Commision (PA version of EEOC)? He said maybe it would be the Harrisburg office? You have 90 or 180 days to file with them, but they might be able to advise you on teh ada part of this. The burden is on the temp agency. Not sure if that helps at all. I have a clue by four I could offer if all else fails. Hang in there, girl. fuck cancer and fuck the crap-ass temp agency.
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Lisa 07.01.08 at 4:13 pm
Blondefabulous, That’s where I am too…disgusted. Maybe I should add that as an edit because I’m not really asking why…I’m expressing my disgust.
James R., Thanks…I hope so too.
Asthmagirl, You make a good point. I almost think these woman at the Temp Agency rely on their computer system too much and use it as GOSPEL.
HeatherK, The PA Human Relations Commission is my next stop. I’ve reached the end of the line with this agency.
Amy 07.01.08 at 4:34 pm
That is pretty disgusting, but if there is a chance they can get away with something, they’ll try it. What assholes.
You are absolutely right, the ADA would be on your side.
You might even hint to them that maybe you should be talking to local media to see if they can ‘help’ you get satisfaction. I can’t believe they’d want the crappy, I mean shitty, PR.
yoshi 07.01.08 at 4:45 pm
Sometimes, people just try to go for the easy way out. There are those who think that if they can piss you off, maybe you’ll just go away. I really hope you stick it to these guys. They just don’t know who they’re messing with!
those fuckers.
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Pam 07.01.08 at 5:19 pm
That SUCKS!
I hope the situation turns in your favor soon!
Pams last blog post..Product Review: Ped Egg
Mattie 07.01.08 at 6:44 pm
Bureaucracy. Sucks. Big time.
Can you contact the Labor Relations Board? I don’t know if there is one in PA or not. But that would be my first stop.
Yeah, and then I’d be venting big time on my blog. Maybe you should do that too Lisa.
*snicker*
Sarah 07.01.08 at 7:03 pm
That sucks. Right now I’m in a lawsuit with an old company I used to work for. They would make us come in early and start working but wouldn’t pay us for the extra time and other stuff like that.
So stupidity runs just about any business anymore. I think at least.
Jamie 07.01.08 at 7:32 pm
People suck. I wish there was something all social worker-y I could say, but that’s pretty much all I’ve got.
Jamies last blog post..It is way too early to be this annoyed
Hilly 07.01.08 at 8:00 pm
I am so sorry that you have this frustration added to everything else.
Want me to come over and kick some ass? Cause I totally will, you know…
Hillys last blog post..That 70’s Blog…
kapgar 07.01.08 at 9:26 pm
I can’t believe they’re getting away with this shit. Makes me wonder how many others they’ve screwed over just like you. Would make for an interesting class action lawsuit, though.
kapgars last blog post..I want to ride it where I like…
Tug 07.01.08 at 10:14 pm
I’ve got nothin’ here, but ((hugs)). SO glad to see other commenters that have ideas to help you.
You’re in my prayers girl, hang tough!!
Lisa 07.02.08 at 7:20 am
Amy, I think they would be too. I’ve also thought very strongly about going to the local media.
Yoshi, They probably think I’m just going away. Not any time soon.
Pam, I hope so too.
Mattie, I hate to name companies by name on my blog but they are pushing me that soon I will.
Sarah, What your company did was certainly illegal by what you said.
Jamie, You said it alright!
Hilly, Yes, please come kick some ass!
Kapgar, They have probably screwed over countless others. I think it would make an interesting law suit as well it’s just that the stress and energy are something I don’t have right now.
Tug, Thank you