Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Virginia
Can my place of work legally make me sign a piece of paper saying that I will be required staff, meaning that I will show up to work no mater what the weather conditions are? I mean, what happens if I get in an accident? Will they pay for my car if I wreck, b/c they made me come in? Would it be considered workman's comp if I were to get hurt in an accident? I live 30 mins. away from work. I was just wondering if they can make me sign that, or if they have the right to fire if me if I refuse? I do not plan to refuse, b/c I need my job, but if they cannot legally make me sign that, I would rather not. I don't feel that I get paid enough to risk my life for this job, and they do not treat their workers with the best of care.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Unless you're covered by an enforceable contract in your employment, you can be fired in Virginia for almost anything or reason that doesn't violate federal anti-discrimination laws and which would appear to include a refusal to sign the paper under the circumstances which you've described.
And, no, I do not believe that you would have the kinds of coverage or eligibility
for compensation from the state or the company if you happened to crash your
vehicle while on your way into work.