So I had my meeting today and to my absolute shock the company hr manager, hr supervisor and both of the owners were in the conference room.
They first started off by reassuring me that my job isn't at risk because of my gender identity and apologized if the abruptness of the email scared me. Apparently it was quickly sent before running out for the weekend.
They went on to say that gender identity is covered under the company's discrimination and harassment policies and let me know what kind of events would be considered harassment or discrimination. They notified me of what I would be able to wear to work and what would violate the dress code (such as too much bra being visible when wearing a sleeveless shirt, capris are ok but no shorts etc etc etc)
But one thing that was said was really shocking and touching at the same time. They said that they will work with me when I need time off for surgery and are even changing company policy so you can use fmla and then vacation time once it runs out instead of mandating that vacation time be used prior to fmla time, but also offered me a temporary move to the office once I am able to return to work, but not my normal duties of standing for 12.5 hours a night.
All in all it was an awesome night at work. But what really topped it off was an email from hr about an hour or so after the meeting notifying me that since I'm part of a three person crew in a satellite building, that I have permission to use the women's restroom....pending they don't get complaints that I'm making a mess and that the two women in the building have been notified of my permissions (it's a single person bathroom with a lock on the door.)
Oh and how did they find out.....I still have no clue, but did come out to the two women I work with and got nothing but support from them.
That's great news Kariann, is SRS covered by your insurance?
I'm so very happy for you!
That is way cool.
Hugs
Jen
That's really great, such a supportive company policy. I wish other work place would do this. Conglatulation
Yay, that is fantastic news. I'm so happy for you. Congrats.
Mariah
Yay!!!
Awesome! I'm so glad that the meeting was one of support instead of non-support :)
Just another happy story from yesterday. I think I am going to be working with a little bit of a high today knowing of all the good things that are going on around me.
I suspect they may have found out out from an insurance claim you made and that's why I never attempted to use insurance before surgery. After surgery, the insurance plan didn't cover my doctor.
Good work and I think you are over one very big hurdle.
That's really great , you had us all in suspense over the weekend. It's really good you found a good company.
Wow, sounds great! (Sounds almost like they read the thread on Susan's...)
We should tell the lawyers to stand down now LOL.
Congrats with a big awesome. Sounds like a win win :)
So glad to hear such an awesome response from your company. Best wishes!
Hi Karianne
That's just so much good news.... oh joy, so happy for you :-* :-*
L Katy
Congratulations!!! It must be a great relief. Did they say how they found out?
:icon_joy:
I've personally known too many of my trans friends who have had employment problems. Good to see another one of us successful!
Quote from: kittenpower on June 09, 2015, 05:01:07 AM
That's great news Kariann, is SRS covered by your insurance?
I have no clue.....I don't get insurance until the first of the month. But if it helps any it's Medical Mutual of Ohio
I have Mutural of Omaha Medicare supplement which can be used for GRS
My insurance specifically excludes "gender or sex changing procedures" but from what I understand the NY Governor says they can't do that.
That said, if they force me to use a particular surgeon I may just pay out of pocket and try to get it reimbursed.
Quote from: Christine Eryn on June 09, 2015, 09:47:01 PM
:icon_joy:
I've personally known too many of my trans friends who have had employment problems. Good to see another one of us successful!
You look so familiar.
Quote from: iKate on June 10, 2015, 08:31:33 AM
My insurance specifically excludes "gender or sex changing procedures" but from what I understand the NY Governor says they can't do that.
That said, if they force me to use a particular surgeon I may just pay out of pocket and try to get it reimbursed.
Hi Ikate.
Getting reimbursed is the avenue most people I know with that exclusion are trying.
Quote from: Oliviah on June 10, 2015, 09:45:54 AM
Hi Ikate.
Getting reimbursed is the avenue most people I know with that exclusion are trying.
True.
Well if I go with someone fairly local like McGinn I'll have to go that route because she does not take insurance.
If I go to Bowers she will take insurance but that is a long wait.
If I go abroad I can forget about insurance covering anything.
Either way I am hoping to just be able to pay cash if I have to. Even if i have to eat ramen noodles and sacrifice to save, lol.
Quote from: iKate on June 10, 2015, 10:20:45 AM
True.
Well if I go with someone fairly local like McGinn I'll have to go that route because she does not take insurance.
If I go to Bowers she will take insurance but that is a long wait.
If I go abroad I can forget about insurance covering anything.
Either way I am hoping to just be able to pay cash if I have to. Even if i have to eat ramen noodles and sacrifice to save, lol.
I totally get that.
To stick with the topic of this thread I am on ramen. When my coworkers found out it was not good. Fired for a week now. It is being investigated, but still haven't heard anything. I haven't decided how I will handle things if don't like the result. It is super scary.
This is really great that they're talking about time off for surgery.
I am glad this turned out well. More and more companies are realizing that treating trans employees badly is bad business so they are getting on board, slowly but surely. It sounds like you are the one who put a little "shove" into the urgency of your company's HR team to get moving. :)