I had a very uncomfortable moment today at work. One of those confrontations at the cross-roads of life for one young man.
My painful, often unpleasant and almost always unappreciated calling is as a shop supervisor. I sit between the owner and the employee, constantly called upon to wrestle one or the other. If I do my job right, things go smoothly. And, for such a small word, “if” carries a great deal of weight.
Today, while off site purchasing needed supplies, I get a call that a very unhappy employee, who has been working part time through a workman’s comp’ claim, wanted to see me. I hustled back to work and was immediately confronted by this worker and his mother. And, Momma Bear was pissed, seeking to take out her protective instincts for her little cub on that big nasty supervisor… That little cub who is 34 years old, mind you.
I greeted them warmly and invited them to have a seat at the conference table in the outer office where I would have witnesses. Just in case, ya know? And then Momma Bear let loose with accusations and demands to know why her little “Furry” one hasn’t been getting paid from us and is getting only a pittance, her general phrase – Scottie doesn’t like me to swear here – from the workman’s comp’ insurance. She went on to tell me I should be ashamed of myself, who did I think I was, etc.
I slowly lifted my hand with one finger raised, interrupting her rant. “Furry’s” eyes got quite large at that. Perhaps it’s not wise to interrupt Momma Bear.
“Pardon me ma’am”, I quietly said into the ringing wide-eyed silence, “Your “Furry” is over 18 and is the employee. You are here to support your son, and I am good with that, but unless you are his lawyer I can’t talk to you about his employment.” To be honest, I don’t know if that is the law or not, but it sounded good. “Now, “Furry”, what can I do for you today,” I asked.
He told me about not getting a check, getting only a little from the insurance company but not enough to cover his needs. I then, quietly reached over and picked up that bus with one hand, grabbed “Furry’s” collar with the other, and chucked him directly under said bus!
“Furry”, I said, “I have documentation from your doctor clearing you for work 3-days per week, 8 hours per day, with a list of physical restrictions. I have allowed you to set your own schedule on that, right?” He agreed. “And, in the last 5-weeks, you have logged a total of 6.75 hours,” I said, looking directly into Momma Bear’s eyes.
Momma wasn’t happy.
Have a great night everyone.
Hugs.
Randy
Scottie's Playtime 
You did it correctly. I’m not a lawyer, either, but worked many Work Comp cases as a para for the lawyer who handled them. It’s best not to engage when something is in contention; it’s probably not the law, which could vary by state, but doing so can lead to a liability. It’s too bad the guy doesn’t feel well enough to come in for the number of hours allowed, but he should work that out with his medical team.
I’m a mama bear, too, of a 27 yo, but I would never do that. I apologize for what I fear is overstepping when I mention he should send his best friend a wedding present, even though the wedding was a private elopement. 🤷♀️
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Hi Ali;
I’m always very careful to say “I do not understand how he could be so injured from something so seemingly minor, but I am not a doctor”. Now, my personal away from work opinion: He is faking it, or just as bad, he has convinced himself that it is real. So, if he is not feeling well enough to go to work for the 5-weeks since he was medically cleared, that is very unfortunate. Again…. “if”.
Hugs
randy
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Indeed, if, and I get what you’re saying, I understand it, and am aware that such things do happen when people think they’re going to get a free paycheck. I thought you handled the conversation brilliantly, in case that was in question. He should probably consult with his work comp counselor or doctor if he is having trouble. His mom can go with him there, too. 😉
Likely his mother is now going to have to get him off his keester. But that’s not your fault!
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