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View Full Version : Another Louisiana Termination Question


BillyC327
11-06-2007, 08:42 PM
I will get right to it. I work for a Sheriffs Department, as a Deputy Sheriff. We have a policy and procedure manual that is kept up to date. At this time of year we have a physical fittness test that we take. The test consists of running and pushups, etc. My question is can I be terminated for not running a mile and a half run in a certain amount of time as an example to others. It may be confusing, sorry. Basically our jobs are held over our heads every six months when this comes around. There is nothing in our policy and procedure manual that says we have to do it. Now our sheriff is saying that someone is going to be fired as an example, almost to scare us in to doing what ever he wants. I personally witnessed the record keeping of times on the run being altered on Monday of this week and when I asked about it, I was pulled into a private office and was told to drop everything and say no more about it. We have three different answers on what is going to happen if we fail our run, from three different people over the run. WE are always being made to work events for free and are told it is "mandatory voluntary". They keep a list of who shows up and who doesn't. I don't know what happens if you don't show up, because I as well as others are in fear of losing our jobs at the drop of a hat. Any helpfull advice would be great. I have a feeling I and my fellow deputies have no leg to stand on. I have read many other termination questions, and I am getting the feeling that in Louisiana you are just at the will of any employer with no real rights. Thanks for your time.

cbg
11-06-2007, 10:15 PM
Unless there is something in your municipal regs that prohibits it, yes, they can. It doesn't have to be spelled out in the manual before you can be fired for it.

BTW, this answer is not limited to Louisiana, but would be the case in every state except possibly Montana.

Pattymd
11-06-2007, 11:34 PM
Are you covered by a union contract? Is this addressed there as well? Doesn't change the state or federal wage and hour law (in that those laws don't prohibit such a requirement), but if so, it might be something you would want to look it in the next negotations.

OTOH, if I have sheriff's I'm depending on for my safety, I'm gonna want 'em to be able to run that distance. And it's why I have a desk job. ;)

xefe
05-29-2008, 04:33 PM
In louisiana if you are not CIVIL service, the sheriff can fire you for any reason not prohibited by law; ie race, sex military blah blah blah.

Not an attorney just a ex-deputy sheriff

cbg
05-30-2008, 07:22 AM
Please check the dates before you post. This is from several months ago; I'm sure the situation has been resolved by now.

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