Can I Be “fired” For My Allergies?
NJ, USA
I recently got a new job. I signed my offer letter and sent it back to them. In between the offer and my start date (this upcoming Tuesday), I have been told of extras that I will be expected to do outside of my job description. The description did not include any semblance of a “other things as needed”. I am to be a grant writer, sitting at my desk talking to no one unless needed. I have been told now because there’s childcare in the building (not the part I’m in), I have to get fingerprinted as if I’m a daycare worker and go through a special background check. Fine. I understand wanting to make sure everyone in the building is safe. I’m not a monster.
Now I’m being told I’ll be expected to cover teachers’ lunch breaks and such. The children are 6 weeks to 6 years, and then an after school program. I am highly allergic to diapers. I know it sounds fake but I have firsthand experience of touching used diapers and getting awful, cracking and bleeding rashes that stay for a prolonged time. I made the mistake of holding my friend’s baby 3 months ago with the only barrier being her pants and the rash I got still had not gone away. I also feel like this is a slippery slope into forcing me into childcare more.
I expressed my allergy concern to them and stated I could cover a quick bathroom break, but not a full lunch break in a classroom that included children in diapers or pull , and asked how often this would be expected of me. If they fire me before I start because of this, do I have any legal grounds for unfair termination or anything like that? It was never a part of the job description and it’s an allergy, not like I’m refusing because I’m lazy or anything.
Thanks in advance
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