Work issue - feeling pushed to leave. Thoughts?

[puffers121]

I'm concerned about something that happened at work today. Person I work for at a school pulled me aside and asked whether I want to continue with the new school year with a hostile student who was originally going to a different school for the fall. The plan is that the student is staying and hiring a one on one for him, but there's still additional behavioral needs in the classroom. Anyway, she said it was my choice, but that because of the behavioral needs in the class, there is a lack of balance in what the other staff has to do and what I can't do now as a pregnant woman, like restraining or escorting the student (110 lbs) across the school. It was kind of hinted that it wasn't fair that two other staff members had to do it and I can't do it any longer and perhaps better if there was someone else who could do it instead. This person is extremely kind and seems really supportive. I appreciated that it seemed like she was looking out for me, but at the same time, it felt discriminatory and an inappropriate conversation to be having. It was brought up 5 days before our summer break begins. She also mentioned that I'd only be able to work half the school year before I'd be due, which wasn't ideal as they'd have to rehire midyear, but she said she was still willing to support that.

I don't know what to do. My mom and spouse suggested talking to principal as both thought it was inappropriate and discriminatory as it wasn't ever in the job description to restrain kids with severe behavioral problems. It's a normal special needs classroom for physical disabilities and was never told there was any behavior problems other than restlessness and minor issues.

SO. thoughts?

 

[Johnsa37]

Sorry that you are going through this. Not fair!

I have a friend who is going through something similar, although she works in radiology. They essentially told her that they won't fire her, but that if she "refuses" to perform the duties of her job, then they won't be scheduling her anymore = no work or pay. They encouraged her to apply for other jobs that she could perform so that they could do a lateral transfer. It seems totally unfair, but she consulted an employment lawyer and apparently it is technically "legal" because they aren't firing her. In her case though, there are no accommodations that can be made... she just can't be near X-ray equipment, which is obviously a big part of her job. It sounds like there ARE accommodations that can be made in your case, and you could still perform the vast majority of the duties of your job. I would definitely talk to someone above the person who spoke to you AND the principal. Are you union? If so, they should have someone that can help.

 

[brittany12]

I work in radiology as well and I am allowed to work X-ray as long as I'm not performing X-rays in the operating room or for fluoroscopy. But normal everyday X-ray or Ct is fine. You must be monitored with a film badge and some places make you wear lead aprons, but your control panel/ room is built with lead walls to protect the techs. However, because of previous miscarriage and issues I'm not allowed to lift or move patients. My dr has my on light duty. My job was totally fine with this and got me the help I needed.

If you aren't wanting to move schools then I say don't. If it's not in your job description to restrain kids then you shouldn't be responsible for doing so. Is this person in charge of hiring/firing?