topic Re: Back to work during this?? in Community Chat

Back to work during this??

Shorty2U — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:58:48 GMT

Am I wrong? My husband isn't getting my opinion.

My husbands job after our Governor closed it, sued and won over the weekend to RE open to half the workers they had before (which would be 4,000 people) because they make batteries for medical equipment and medical vehicles etc. etc. I am livid! NO money in the world is worth his and mine or anyones lives!

They called today and said work will start up, they will call back to tell him when.. I told him not to go. He said we have a mortgage etc. I used to work in a supermarket as a manager and sorry IF I still worked Id quit now!

My husband has asthma, I have health issues and had cancer, we will not survive this virus. I had him take me to the store tonight at closing so no one was there. I bought bleach and said he will change in our garage when he gets home even though he showers at work. And I said dont come near me.

I cant believe this is happening and I have no where to go, I'm not disturbing my kids lives, I don't know who's a carrier. im not going to get my grandkids sick If I am a carrier, If I had the money id go to a HOTEL and trust it more than living here! .

Also I cancelled my Dr appt today to have a phone appt because HIM and I were worried about this virus!

Guess hes not worried anymore. I know I sound crazed but I am. I just don't think any amount of money is worth lives. Period.

He says we have gloves there and sanitizer. Really? And you're also close to people and touching filthy equipment. One swipe of your face and you'll have the virus! Doctors are getting this virus and they have FULL gear on!

His employer and him are being selfish..all for money!. Am I wrong?

and PS he just had signed up for unemployment online Sunday. We could live on it if we have to. I know how to budget!

Re: Back to work during this??

bikerbabe — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:05:20 GMT

I don’t believe it’s selfish for the company reopen given that they make critical supplies for the medical community which is badly needed now. I hear your concern and your fear over your personal situation and I’m sorry it’s causing so much distress. It sounds like your husband has a plan to do as much as he can to clean up when he comes home. Perhaps you could reschedule a phone appointment with your physician to discuss your situation?

Re: Back to work during this??

Shanus — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:06:07 GMT

Wow @Shorty2U . That's a lot to process for you. I think you need to stay calm so you can make some rational choices for your family and for your marriage. Decisions made in haste do not turn out well. Words said in anger cannot be taken back or forgotten. Hoping you come to a place that makes you feel at ease.

Shanus

Re: Back to work during this??

chessylady — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:28:12 GMT

You are between a rock and a hard place. Maybe you and your husband can discuss the pros and cons when you both are calm and relaxed. Maybe speaking to a counselor would be appropriate for you both or just you. You will have to support whatever he does.

Re: Back to work during this??

tansy — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:48:25 GMT

Is he of retirement age, @Shorty2U?

Re: Back to work during this??

Shorty2U — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:49:36 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
Wow @Shorty2U . That's a lot to process for you. I think you need to stay calm so you can make some rational choices for your family and for your marriage. Decisions made in haste do not turn out well. Words said in anger cannot be taken back or forgotten. Hoping you come to a place that makes you feel at ease.

Shanus

Thank you to all and I forgot to add that all employees have their choice by letter on website, But his manager called and said well we are going back to work (because my husband is a boss). I feel he may have his choice to go back (by the letter). Not sure being hes a boss. Seems theyre calling seniority first and hes there long, It does say though you lose medical April 29th for those who dont come back! So people are scared by that.. 8,000 work there 4,000 going back so I feel they should take volunteers (if possible!). Yes Im probably going to need nerve pills. I am really worried.

Re: Back to work during this??

Shorty2U — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:53:10 GMT

@tansy wrote:
Is he of retirement age, @Shorty2U?

No hes not I wish he could retire. (im older than him btw) I no longer work due to back issues. I told him dont worry about money we could live on unemployment and my savings from old job injury etc.if he would just say must he come back? Which I guess wouldnt be fair to others going back. Some appreicate it others are scared too and wont go!

Re: Back to work during this??

shoekitty — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:45:25 GMT

Personally, I think his work should give people a choice. It's risky with that many people. Seems like the employer could be held liable if people get sick and die. IF they make them come work. Seems like it should be optional, and paperwork releasing liability should be made. Jmho

Re: Back to work during this??

tansy — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:56:53 GMT

I'm sorry for the predicament you two are in, @Shorty2U. I'd be worried, too.

Re: Back to work during this??

Ifeelwicked — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:05:23 GMT

I feel your pain. We are in California, one of the hardest hit areas and I am extremely concerned, to say the least! But, I find something a little odd in your post. With half the employees being called back, and you say 4,000 are left, there isn't one younger, healthier employee to fill the spot they are holding for your husband? No, ageism disrespect meant. Bless his heart. He has had quite the health ride. (With you right along with him, I'm sure.) I am truly so sorry you are dealing with this and I have to admit, I'm with you. (My husband and 29 yr. old son are both in the same field, one that does not offer the option to stay home.) You take good care and I hope everything works out well for you both. 🙏🏻 ......Just read your update. The "boss" aspect makes it a little tricky, I would imagine. Like another poster shared......deep breaths, for now.

Re: Back to work during this??

CAcableGirl2 — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 03:59:12 GMT

@Shorty2U Take a deep breath, and then another.

I am also working because our company is considered "critical". I understand, and am doing whatever I can to keep me and my staff healthy. I worry too, but try to keep positive and can only control what I am able to control.

My life consists of going to work, heading home for lunch, back to work, and then back home after my shift is over.

It's my decision to work, I could always resign, but I have a mortgage to pay, value my job and quality of life and am hopeful that we will all be OK. I take whatever precautions that I can, and that is all I can do for now.

If the doctors, nurses, first responders, police, etc. all decided to quit out of fear, then we would all be in a worse place. I feel I'm doing my part to help my community get through this illness. Life will get back to a new normal, so I try to focus on the future.

I encourage you to speak with someone other then your husband about your concerns if you will get upset in discussing this with him. It will add a considerable amount of worry, added pressure and stress for him, and that can't be good.

Perhaps you can go stay with your kids or a friend for the time being.

Re: Back to work during this??

Reconnaissant — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:11:11 GMT

@Shorty2U

Since the governor closed the business, mandated safeguards should be implemented for employees and the equipment they are working on.

Your husband will be able to address this with the bosses and employees too.

You will know more by tomorrow.

I’m sorry this is happening.

Re: Back to work during this??

Porcelain — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:39:01 GMT

If your husband is at risk, he should not be doing this. There are others at less risk who can. I don't think much of a company that would pressure a valued employee to risk their health unnecessarily. What would you do if he fell ill?

He should explain to them why it would be unwise for him to be on site for the time being and offer to do what he can remotely.

Re: Back to work during this??

mom2four0418 — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:48:39 GMT

@Reconnaissant wrote:
@Shorty2U

Since the governor closed the business, mandated safeguards should be implemented for employees and the equipment they are working on.

Your husband will be able to address this with the bosses and employees too.

You will know more by tomorrow.

I’m sorry this is happening.

The company sued the state and won the lawsuit.

Re: Back to work during this??

santorini — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:11:26 GMT

I feel certain they will provide masks and gloves, etc. I have the opposite feeling in that I HATE having to work from home. I will probably go in tomorrow. The lack of human interaction is not a good thing for me. If it takes wearing masks and gloves, I will gladly do it.

Re: Back to work during this??

Isobel Archer — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 06:20:46 GMT

@Shorty2U I am so sorry you are going through this. I am really not sure what I believe about this whole situation, but i do understand your fear.

I had to go back to work in the Pentagon the day after 9/11 and it wasn't easy. I get the fear you are expressing - both for your husband and for yourself.

I have no advice, but know that I am praying for you both - that you will not be touched by this virus and that you will somehow have peace that passes understanding.

Blessings to you.

Re: Back to work during this??

Deree — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:28:55 GMT

As of yesterday there has been talk about re-opening nonessential businesses as early as a couple of weeks from now. I guess "the economy" is more important than lives.

Re: Back to work during this??

AuntG — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 11:33:26 GMT

Be glad you guys were given a choice about returning to work. Now you must respect your husband's choice, even if you'd have opted not to work. Maybe take extra steps like laundering his work clothes when he returns from work.

Re: Back to work during this??

software — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:12:40 GMT

I'm retired now but if I were in your husband's shoes, I would ask to not be called in. He is in a risk category. If you have been paying your mortgage faithfully, they will work with you. He seems like the kind of guy who may have some money put back.

You worry about him being exposed, what about bringing it home to you?

Many people are asymptomatic while they are infecting others.

This virus would probably kill me. I would not risk my life for anything.

This is just my opinion based on my personal lifestyle.

I hope you can find peace in his decision.

Re: Back to work during this??

mimomof4 — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:31:51 GMT

Sorry but I have to agree with your husband on this one. The company supplies equipment for the medical industry which obviously needs those products now. My husband also works for a company who is deemed essential and must work.

We keep calling for more supplies to be available to our medical professionals, someone has to make them. If everyone who worked for those companies did not go to work, we would not have those supplies. Each one of us is no more important than our co-workers. Everyone wants to say we are all in this together but only if that means you can stay inside and let others make what is needed.

Right now, I feel for everyone who is out of work or will be out of work soon with no paycheck. I cried yesterday after the Governor of Michigan ordered more businesses to close. Too many people have no income right now and the government won't help them at all. Many of those businesses will NEVER open back up. Personally I want my bills paid.