Ms. Sort
Package Handler
Very concerned here and just looking for a bit of advice. A fellow Preload/friend has a ridiculous attendance problem (already burned through option/whatever days for the year), which has earned him the scorn of management. Sore back, stomach problems, flu...he's had it all. After not seeing him around yesterday I called to check on him and tell him to dial down the partying before he gets a termination letter. He broke down crying and said he had been diagnosed with Stage II Myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and doesn't have the money or wherewithal to pursue treatment. I told him to at least get on FMLA. He's afraid doing so will get him the proverbial "target on the back" and the powers that be will just find some reason to get rid of him anyway. He lives alone, his mother's in bad health and his father doesn't get along with him so there goes any kind of support system. His solution: "Start showing up to work no matter how bad I feel. Work until the day I collapse and the paramedics come to drag me away". This breaks my heart but my hands are tied. How can I help someone who refuses to help himself? Is there at least some helpline he can call? I hate to admit it but, despite the hyperbole, I can't help but feel his fear of disciplinary repercussion is somewhat justified.