Thousands of folks are dealing with the reality that their homes are completely destroyed as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Now, imagine being fired for not calling into work after losing your home. It’s almost inconceivable.
Yet, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday in Brooklyn, New York, that is exactly what happened to Antonio Rojas. After losing his home in the hurricane, Rojas was fired from his job with a fire protection company for failing to call into the office and report himself absent for the day. Employed with the company since July, Rojas was told hours before the storm that workers did not have to come into the office the next day. The next day, the storm ravaged his home. Power went out, his cell phone died and even his car was ruined.
Rojas claims that he texted two coworkers about the situation before his cell phone died and he was stuck in his house all Tuesday with no way to get in touch with the company. As soon as he was able, he contacted the office on Wednesday to assure them that he would rent a car so he could make it to work the next day. He was told not to bother. He had been fired for not contacting the previous day.
Rojas promptly filed suit and is trying to remain optimistic. We shall see how this piece of Brooklyn news plays out.