Understanding a Worker's Rights with Diabetes
The importance of being aware
Naturally, discipline or termination of employment on account of a medical condition is a major concern. Again, an instance where continuous bouts of hypoglycemia or a situation when it would be difficult when needing to take insulin might pose challenges to completing tasks. However, when employers do not know enough about the condition, much less how to handle any situation where accommodations are required or hypoglycemia is a factor, then both parties still need to be aware of the employee’s rights. In other words, a supervisor cannot simply take disciplinary measures or fire a worker because he or she does not want to implement adjustments or take the time to gain more information about diabetes.
If a person feels that he or she has been discriminated against because of diabetes, then options, such as the following, are available:
- Filing a grievance with the assistance of a union
- Negotiating a return to work
- Filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Opportunity Commission or the state’s labor department.
Diabetes does not have to affect one’s goals and career. So, know your rights. Being aware of this and having a healthy lifestyle can make all the difference for several patients.