Being asked to "work" while on ML?

jenmnbride · October 2009

So I saw an earlier post where some eluded to the fact that working while on ML may be illegal.

I'm a special ed teacher, and I actually go back to work on Monday. A week and a half ago, my immediate supervisor called me to tell me about an inservice/meeting our team was having. She said we'd be covering information that would be very important for me to know and asked if I would be able to get child care and go. She used the words "Now, I know you're on leave, so you don't technically have to come, but it would be good for you to get the information."

Since it was my last week of leave, I didn't go, obviously. When I told her I couldn't, she made me feel guilty and said "Well, we're just going to have to find a time to meet personally because you will be missing some very important information."

I know I shouldn't be made to feel guilty about this, right? And is it actually illegal for them to request I come in to "work" at all?

They also had me come in during workshop week for an 1 hour meeting and my school's open house night.

sangreal · October 2009

It sure is illegal.

ljlkm · October 2009

The only person that can make you feel guilty is you. You have nothing to feel guilty about, so don't!

kmkaull · October 2009

Did she offer to pay you? If not, pfffft, forget her!

I'm a special ed teacher, too, off this semester. I have no idea what is going on at school, and thankfully, haven't heard a peep from my administrators.

Mrs_mam · October 2009

Yes it is illegal for them to ask you to work, and if your SDI place finds out they will stop sending you checks.

mlwurster · October 2009

My director asked me if I could go to Phoenix over my ML-I told him if I could bring LO to all of the meetings, I would go. He declined this option and suggested that I listen in on via conference call, but I told him that I wouldn't be able to do that. I have turned off my work phone and laptop and won't turn them back on until my leave is over.