Grandpa,
Things that people have done during the pandemic shut down? Well, when my job shut down, we all got a letter from the boss that said, “Our business is not on the government’s list of essential businesses. You are not defined by your work. You are essential! Please, take this opportunity to stay home and stay safe. We want you to come back when the crisis is over.”
Grandpa,
Since May, my employer has been taking the temperatures of all employees entering the building. If an employee has a temperature that is higher than the boss thinks is normal, they are sent home, without pay and receive points against their attendance record. The employee is not permitted to return to work until they can get a release from a medical facility stating that they are indeed COVID-free. Today was blisteringly hot. Most everyone was refused admittance to the building and sent home. We contend that the sun was the cause of the high temperatures. Is this not the boss practicing medicine without a license? As a side note, the company gets stimulus money to offset the costs of complying with the COVID rules. We employees do not get reimbursed for the cost of being sent home without true cause. Just thought you might like to hear the truth.
Grandpa says: I cannot comment because you give me no information about where you work, or how to contact your employer for its side of the story. Your next step might be to see an attorney for advice. Suspicions and/or accusations of improper treatment of workers need be settled in a court, not stewed over. As to the idea of practicing medicine without a license, that could be a serious legal matter that would take years to resolve. In the interim, if you are not happy at your job, there are lots of employers looking for good help. See the first letter in today’s column for an example.
Grandpa,
I was at my dentist office for a cleaning. The hygienist is a stitch! Upon entering, I was given a face mask to wear. Once I was seated, the hygienist took out a paint stir stick with six little bare feet drawn on it. She certified that we were “30 toes” away from each other; 30 toes equaling six feet. She took a pair of scissors and cut a big hole in a paper face mask so she could gain access to my mouth to clean my teeth. It was the most entertaining dental procedure I ever have experienced. The whole time, she remained properly protected. She’s delightful!
Grandpa says: Can you believe how quickly 2020 has gone by? It is time again for Grandpa to beg your indulgence. Every Autumn I ask my readers to reflect on what is in their lives for which they are thankful. This year we will publish Thanksgiving Gratitude letters in the November 19 issue, one week prior to Thanksgiving Day. In order to have your letter included in the Gratitude Column, please have your letters to Ask Grandpa in by November 1.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123,
Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.