Employee forced to come into work despite snowstorm emergency: 'I was told to dig myself out'

Compelling people to show up to work in unsafe conditions is a dangerous game.

This Pennsylvania resident was completely unable to leave her home and drive to work after the snowstorm. She sent photographic evidence of her predicament to her boss, who remained unsympathetic to her situation. Instead, he told her that she still needed to come in. 

Now, depending on where you are located, anyone affected by the recent weather conditions knows how serious and difficult commuting has been. Special arrangements need to be made for those who have been rendered incapable of traveling. Ordinary protocol cannot necessarily apply to extreme, unforeseen circumstances.

This unfortunate instance serves as yet another reminder that the vast majority of companies are not there to help employees out when that support becomes an inconvenience to them. This author had the difficult experience of coming to terms with that reality in the midst of this weather-ridden crisis. Thankfully, she received plenty of supports from several members of this online community, many of whom expressed that they too have found themselves in similar conflicts with their employers.

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  • It does not take a genius to look at these photos and assess that it's not only a challenge to get to work in these conditions, but it's also dangerous. After 2020, we're certain that there is a possibility that this lady could handle some of her tasks and responsibilities in a remote capacity. Even if that weren't the case, losing an extra set of hands during a weather emergency should not endanger the overall health of a business. If this is the case, then that instability is a greater reflection of the flaws within the business model and nothing else. 

    Furthermore, it's a testament to how valuable this employee is to the business. Disrespecting her and forcing her to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles just to get to work in these conditions is not going to make her feel protected and valued moving forward. In fact, it only will help her come to the realization that she needs to switch jobs as soon as she can.

  • "I am expected to be at work. After sending this photo I was told to 'dig myself out'"

    Cheezburger Image 10600519936
    via [deleted]
  • Cheezburger Image 10600520192
    via [deleted]
  • I work part time 4 hours a night cleaning a building. I called off because I'm in Erie, PA and it's a weather emergency.
    via [deleted]
  • I got multiple texts and a phone call trying to get me to come in. Just disappointed it's a new job and I'll probably get fired or quit because this is quite insane.
    via [deleted]
  • Thellluminate1992 It's gonna take you longer to dig yourself out and drive there then you'll actually be there. I'd also sh t back to the supervisor and ask if the business covers hazard pay and paying for my insurance deductible if I get into a wreck.
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply While I was digging my car out an escape, Outback, and 2 pick ups got stuck on my street. And I told him this. And he said "at least try" for my dinky 4 hour shift. I'm a 28 year old mom working part time evenings to f ng pay for extra stuff for my family I don't need to be treated like this.
    via [deleted]
  • thickfitpeach1 they're morons if they think it's safe or feasible for you to come in, it's not even worth it. i hope you don't give in to their harassment and just stay home
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply My husband was pretty livid. It's his car that's backed in in front of mine and he said absolutely not. I was going to attempt and he threw a fit. He was not happy about being guilted in the phone call. It was pretty manipulative of my boss.
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] While I was digging my car out an escape, Outback, and 2 pick ups got stuck on my street. And I told him this. And he said "at least try" for my dinky 4 hour shift. I'm a 28 year old mom working part time evenings to f ing pay for extra stuff for my family I don't need to be treated like this.
    via [deleted]
  • Kitsuneanima I find it's best to treat messages and calls like that as if they are coming from a toddler. Firmly but nicely say something like. "No. that's not possible." And if they try and keep asking just repeat. Because much like toddlers anything you say will only be seen as a possible negotiation point.
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply That's exactly it. I said, "my car isn't tall enough to physically be in this snow it won't actually be able to move" and he replied "at least try" at one point I just started laughing.
    via [deleted]
  • giga_phantom Were you going to get hazard pay for digging all that snow out? Road doesn't look like it's been properly plowed either. Smh
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply He knows I'm a f ing mom just working to help support the family. I'm doing my best I usually clean the rooms but he wanted me to shovel outside in 30F from 6- 10pm. I feel like trash.
    via [deleted]
  • A group of people push a car out of the snow.
    via Dina Badamshina

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Hedonismbot-1729a While not even close, when I worked for Giant Food Stores my manager, from Buffalo, told me that 13" was just a dusting and to get in my car like a man and get to work. His name was Eric. He's an
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply What a d he canoe Eric s Seriously it's so f ing r . We have 2 cars too. I don't have some massive truck. Even the trucks are getting lodged in the snow.
    via [deleted]
  • itsokayiguessmaybe Could get real creative and text b him: -We got the car high centered getting out of the driveway. -My husband is using a propane torch to melt the snow underneath. - my husband got all the snow melted so the tires are on the ground but we smelt burn rubber and it looks like it melted the fan belt. - my car is on fire -the front burned off -I quit.
    via [deleted]
  • Jimmie_Cognac The answer to that is "no". For your own safety. And I guarantee, you if you did dig yourself out the only reward you would get is "atta girl" and a pat on the back, if that.
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply So disappointed. He has a kid my son's age....he acted like he was a family man. Very fake clearly.
    via [deleted]
  • itsokayiguessmaybe Just tell him you got 3 feet into the street and high centered. Because that's about what would have happened anyway.
    via [deleted]
  • [deleted] Original Poster's Reply That's exactly what it is. It's high centered I didn't know how to express that.
    via [deleted]

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workplace-stories employee work stories toxic-workplace snow pennsylvania work workplace Horrible Bosses snowstorm
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