I have been working for my employer for eight years. I have B.A from a well-known university and graduated with honors during my career. In addition I have volunteered at a number of different organizations, volunteered for a variety of different groups and committees at the workplace and taken 6 development courses in the last 2 years and have requested to take more only to be told that the level of my skills was superior and it was unnecessary. I also have Crohn's disease, a debilitating chronic illness that attacks the intestines. I have recently become very ill and have missed work, however all absences were documented by my physician and I made up time whenever possible and took vacation days for my appointments. When I began to get very ill, I tried to educate my employer and gave them documentation on my illness. Then our department was restructured and I was told that my team was being abolished and there were no management jobs for me anymore. However I was also told that I would be given an administrative job which would be at the same level and pay, and I could take my time to find another position because there was enough work for at least one year. I took my vacation time during which I fell ill and was consequently off for 2 months, however I put in a request to work from home and it was declined. During this period I also started an experimental, very expensive treatment. Five weeks ago I returned to work and did everything possible to try to regain my reputation. However it was very difficult. Then I was called into an office and told that I do not fit in with the company anymore and I do not have the skills to work there anymore. To say the least I was completely distraught and shocked. they offered me a severance package or a lump sum payment and that was it. I feel like I have been discriminated against and wrongfully terminated and I do not know what to do next. I also believe that them saying I had no skills and not giving me any career development when my job was abolished in September constitutes unethical treatment and defamation of character. How should I proceed? |