A few questions about a cruel violation of some work rights.

[Amitmis]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan.

My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: michigan.

Hello.

I am currently talking with a woman (21 of age) that is, as I am writing this thread, terrified of being fired from one of 3 jobs she holds to (soley) provide for her family. She is shaking, her legs and arms are sore, she is throwing up constantly into a bag behind the counter and is in real danger of passing out, yet her employer does not allow her to sit down or to have a glass of water, let alone go home or seek medical attention. She works an 18 hour shift and is allowed a single bathroom break of 3 minutes only (!). When I told her she has rights, that there are laws protecting her, she didn't believe me, as her boss told her that she doesn't have any rights whatsoever. When I told her she can file a lawsuit against that employer she said that she has no money to pay an attorney.

I need to hear from a proffessional just exactly to what extent are her rights violated, and where can she go to complain about it anonymously without fearing for her job. I would also like to know who she can contact in case she actually does get fired because of these unlawful reasons. Is there a legal service provided pro bono in such cases?

The conditions in her other 2 jobs are even worse. This can not go on.

I am very worried about this girl, she is a wonderful person but she is just so terrified of losing her job.

Please help.


Thank you very much,
Amit.

 

[cbg]

The unpleasant fact is that she may not have the rights you imagine she does, and the employer's actions may not be illegal.

What is the nature of her illness? Not the symptoms; the diagnosis. It matters to what options she has.

 

[Zigner]

18 hour shift with only a three minute break. I'm not buying it.

 

[Amitmis]

The unpleasant fact is that she may not have the rights you imagine she does, and the employer's actions may not be illegal.

What is the nature of her illness? Not the symptoms; the diagnosis. It matters to what options she has.

I think it just has to do with her working so hard, standing up for 9 hours at a time without being able to go to the bathroom or drink anything. Or maybe she has something viral, I'm not sure. She said it happened before, too. A couple of days ago she felt bad and did faint, and her boss told her to get up and keep working or she will fire her.

Are you telling me all this might be legal? What is this, a Chinese sweatshop?

I am so furious, there must be something we can do to help this girl!

 

[Chyvan]

I would also like to know who she can contact in case she actually does get fired because of these unlawful reasons.

MESC, the unemployment people for MI.

 

[CTU]

I think it just has to do with her working so hard, standing up for 9 hours at a time without being able to go to the bathroom or drink anything. Or maybe she has something viral, I'm not sure. She said it happened before, too. A couple of days ago she felt bad and did faint, and her boss told her to get up and keep working or she will fire her.

Are you telling me all this might be legal? What is this, a Chinese sweatshop?

I am so furious, there must be something we can do to help this girl!

I guarantee that you do not have all of the relevant details.

 

[AdoptADog]

I guarantee that you do not have all of the relevant details.

Agree with this, OP, have her sign up and ask her own questions.

 

[Silverplum]

I guarantee that you do not have all of the relevant details.

Yup. (Another common thought!)

 

[quincy]

... What is this, a Chinese sweatshop? ...

That was actually going to be MY question.

You say you have been "talking with a woman." Are you talking with her on an internet chat room, perhaps? If so, I would be very wary if she starts asking you for money.

 

[cbg]

I think it just has to do with her working so hard, standing up for 9 hours at a time without being able to go to the bathroom or drink anything. Or maybe she has something viral, I'm not sure. She said it happened before, too. A couple of days ago she felt bad and did faint, and her boss told her to get up and keep working or she will fire her.

Are you telling me all this might be legal? What is this, a Chinese sweatshop?

I am so furious, there must be something we can do to help this girl!

Yes, it's very likely legal as you describe it.

But I am very, very suspicious that the fact pattern you describe is actually happening.

Yes or no. Have you met her in person?

 

[Amitmis]

I have not met her in real life. I talked to her for a few hours yesterday on a site named 7 Cups, in which you help people in need, you listen to them. A terrified 21 year old approached me and told me about her situation.

If what her boss is doing to her is legal, why do you doubt that it's real?

 

[CTU]

I have not met her in real life. I talked to her for a few hours yesterday on a site named 7 Cups, in which you help people in need, you listen to them. A terrified 21 year old approached me and told me about her situation.

If what her boss is doing to her is legal, why do you doubt that it's real?

Where did she find the time to hit you up? Working 3 jobs, 18 hour shifts ...

Look. People scam, people lie, and frankly we've seen just about every cover story you could possibly imagine. This tale of woe is simply one more.

 

[Zigner]

I have not met her in real life. I talked to her for a few hours yesterday on a site named 7 Cups, in which you help people in need, you listen to them. A terrified 21 year old approached me and told me about her situation.

If what her boss is doing to her is legal, why do you doubt that it's real?

You. Are. Being. Scammed.

 

[cbg]

Because the facts don't add up.

If she's working 18 hour shifts, when is she working those other two jobs, for example?

 

[Shadowbunny]

Because the facts don't add up.

If she's working 18 hour shifts, when is she working those other two jobs, for example?

I asked him the same question down the street; haven't gotten an answer from him yet. But he failed to mention that he spoke to her for "a few hours." With working 3 jobs, one of them 18 hours a day with a boss who makes her work while she's violently ill, I"m surprised she has the time to chat for any length of time.