Does a manager have a right to ask for a police report if I missed work because I was involved in an accident?

Question

I was involved in a car accident a town over from where I work, right before my shift. I knew I was not going to be able to make it on time to work because of it, so I called my manager and explained to her what happened. She asked me to call back in 10 minutes so I did, and she was on the phone with someone else, because apparently someone else had called out for their shift as well. So, I explained to the person on the phone what happened and she told me that they would take care of it. I didn't hear anything back for 2 hours, so I thought it was fine. Later on, I checked my phone and saw that I got a message from work, stating that I didn't have to worry about coming in, but that my manager talked to another manager, and he wants a copy of the police report as "evidence" that I got into an accident. You'd think they would be more concerned that I was ok. Can they do this? I'm pissed about the whole situation, and I've been already debating quitting because I overheard the managers talking c**p about me... why, I don't know, because to my face they've always told me what a great employee I am! What can I do, and what do you think I should do?

Answer 1

It is nothing personal - your manager is just doing their job.  A big part of their job is ensuring that employees show up for shifts that they are assigned.  Give your manager the accident report and that is the end of it.

Answer 2

Like you said, they want the report as evidence as to why you were late and to see if you were lying to them to get out of going to work.

If you want to keep your job then show them the Report. Otherwise, quit. It's really that simple.

As far as them talking about you behind your back, you could make a complaint to Corporate or call the Labor Board and make a complaint about harassment at work, tell them the working conditions are unfit.

Answer 3

This is a really good question, and I'm not sure what the laws would say.  But as a 3rd party, I want to be helpful so let's examine:

First, does your company have a policy manual or handbook?  If so, check it to see whether there's anything that even remotely covers the manager's request.  I'm betting it doesn't - I work for a large company and our policy manual just isn't that specific.  The closest they get is asking for a doctor's note authorizing a return after illnesses of 3 or more days.

I am exactly like you:  I would be royally PO'd if management asked me to prove I was in an accident and I would be tempted to give them an earful.  However, discretion is always the better part of valor, and cooler heads should prevail.  So while their request sets off alarm bells, it's probably a good idea to provide the documentation.

But I'd still want to have the last word, so if it were me, I'd provide a cover letter as well expressing your disappointment in their apparent lack of trust by questioning whether you were being honest.  You are further rather surprised that at no time did management express any concern over whether you had been injured or needed medical assistance, transportation, etc.  

As for the managers talking about you behind your back, this is a matter for HR.  Keep it separate, document dates, times, names and content.  Submit your findings to HR and ask for a meeting with the manager AND his/her manager.  You don't have to be confrontational - which is VERY hard to avoid in these situations.  But you do deserve to be treated with respect and that includes holding managers to account for discussing you in an area of the office where anyone might have overheard their conversation.  They have very likely violated a company policy - at best, they were plain stupid.  By taking this to HR, you put them on notice that you:

a) know more than they think you do;

b) are not afraid to stand up for yourself, and;

c) are prepared to escalate the problem in order to get a fair resolution

I know how hard this is going to be, but if you can get yourself through this, you will be AMAZED at how empowered you're going to feel.

If you feel the need to leave the company, at least you'll leave on your own terms.

Go get 'em!!

Answer 4

Give them a copy of the report.

In late August, all kinds of people are booking off for a last-minute summer vacation.  They have a right to know if you were kidding.

Answer 5

Yes.  Give it to them.  Otherwise when they fire you they can bring this up.