I'm being discriminated against in the workplace

[ghostkiwi]

I don't know where to begin, but I need to vent this cause its infuriating.

So I moved to Japan. My company put me in an uninhabitable apartment that I'm allergic to and I've had anaphylaxis 4 times. I went to my company and told them I need to be moved to a different apartment. About a week later my boss called me up and said that he and another boss were going to be in the area and they wanted to just check in. I asked if they were checking in with my coworkers in the  area as well(they live in my building) and they said no. So I became very suspicious as to the true nature of the visit. They came to my apartment last tuesday and started asking about my health(cause one of the bosses didn't know of my health conditions) and they beat around the bush and I flat out asked what they were getting at, and they told me it would be best for me if I moved back to America. I was like What?? I don't want to go back to America. They replied well you can either move back to America or move and find a new job. They said it had nothing to do with my job performance, I was great at my job, and was solely due to my health. They just kept repeating that this would be best for my health as though I'm a child that can't care for itself. As though they, 2 middle aged men, that didn't even know what sjogrens or anaphylaxis were, knew more about my body and my health than I do. They kept going on about how I needed a big hospital with lots of equipment, even though I kept saying that was not what I needed. All I needed was an apartment that didn't have a mold or bug infestation. To which they told me I have a standard Japanese apartment(which is not true, even my coworkers apartment in my same building is of considerably better condition than mine)and that there are no available apartments in my area(which again is not true). They wanted an immediate response as to which choice I was going to choose, and I told them I needed to think about it. They then gave me three days to give them a reply. On Friday I told them I knew they were discriminating against me and I wanted to stay right here, because I really like my job. They told me that this was complicated and that we should meet in person this week. Today they sent me an email telling me to go to my headquarters first thing in the morning.

To clarify, I have missed 2 half days(that I covered with my sick days). Neither of which was during my actual teaching time, but rather my free periods in the afternoon. One being the first time I had anaphylaxis and the second was a scheduled test results visit. My health has not affected my job at all.

This is all such nonsense and its stressing me out.

[Joe S.]

(((Hugs))) There is not much else that I can say. I know the culture is different but do not kill yourself over your job. I used a personal negative ion generator at one location to clear the air in my work area. I have several at home for the same reason.

[cccourt1942]

ghost: I hope this does not come across as harsh:  you are in a lose-lose situation---unless you move, on your own accord and expense, to a new location.  As to treatment available for your condition, in Japan, you are correct it does not require large hospital /equipment.  However, it does require medications available to you which are not available in Japan---by law.  This brings you to another lose-lose situation. 

I believe I recall you purposefully did not bring SjS meds with you.  This was a choice you made.  It is unfortunate Japan does not have the approved pharmaceuticals you require to make you comfortable.  This is true in a number of countries.

I thought you had taken a job with the International schools or other Teacher abroad organizations.  When you say two Japanese individuals checked on your living quarters, etc, I can only surmise you contracted with a foreign entity.  After living overseas for 5 years, I have since stated, (re the USA) "it may not be perfect, but it's still the best place to be  and be from!" 

At your age, you have time to get your health under control and start on a grand adventure in your future.  As a long time SjS sufferer (UNDIAGNOSED), I recall the ups and downs of my health over decades.  I seldom sought medical intervention.  In my case, ignorance was bliss.  In your case, you know your diagnosis.  My mind would run rampant with what ifs!  Think about your safety.  It does not sound like the company/individuals for whom you work are vested in your position, your skills, or your health. 

Before you draw a line in the sand, go deep for answers.

Best to you,
ccc

[ghostkiwi]

cccourt1942-

I really love Japan. I love my job. It's not too hard on my body and it makes me very happy(best part of my day actually). I'm not really worried about not being on a medication at the moment(as they too are a lose lose situation especially at my age). I met with a doctor who is really nice and understanding and is keeping track of my medical issues and helping keep everything under control which is awesome.

The two individuals that came to my apartment were American.

My only problem at the moment is that my company put me in an apartment that has a large bug infestation(my boss fell through my floor where the bugs had completely eaten the wood flooring from the inside), mold, and dust. It is supposed to be their responsibility to find me livable accommodations. Instead, they put me in an apartment that I'm allergic to(and honestly I think most people would have an issue living in this apartment(and thats even with me literally scrubbing clean every surface)). My health isn't affecting my work. My company is just being lazy.

When I was diagnosed in college, I make a vow to myself that I would not put my life on hold while figuring out medical issues. I'm not going to let it prevent me from doing what I enjoy within reason. In college, the entirety of my faculty and deans and health center all told me to take time off from college to get my health situated. I told them all I wasn't going to take any time off and yes, it was difficult but I ended up graduating on time.

[irish]

I have never lived in a foreign company, but I know that having an autoimmune disease would greatly influence my choice in where I was going to live and work. You are probably right that anyone would have trouble with the apartment, but as businessmen they are watching out for the company as that is there job. You are in a country that has none of the rules and regs that the US does so don't be surprised if things are very different.

The only thing I can think to do is to go to the American counsel ate in your area and see what they have to say. Sometimes one has to bite the bullet and take what comes because it is too complicated to deal with. With the world situation the way it is I would want to be back on US ground if it was me. How many other Americans are employed where you are.? Just curious. Good luck. Irish

[Deb 27]

Sorry you are going through this and that your company put you up in a nasty environment.  I don't know what is in your contract or if you have amy rights.  Even here in the US, they can hid behind laws and try to fire you for trumped up charges. You could see if you can get some legal help and at least some   pay for your way home. 

[GgcJap]

ghostkiwi,

there are unions over here. especially for people teaching English as discrimination is not a new problem. Having said that I don't teach English over here nor have I ever used or needed a union.
You should search online and find one and then speak to them. They will be able to advise you. What company do you work for. Some are well known for this sort of thing and this wouldn't be a first for them.
Let me know how you go, I might be able to help where possible.

GgcJap

[deniselb]

I can't even tell from reading your story whether you're working for an American or Japanese employer. The concept of workplace discrimination is a legal one and it depends what laws you're covered under.

You might find some answers here. We can't tell you how this applies to you because we don't know your situation.

https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/multi-employees.html

[quietdynamics]

I really love Japan. I love my job. It's not too hard on my body and it makes me very happy(best part of my day actually). I'm not really worried about not being on a medication at the moment(as they too are a lose lose situation especially at my age).

In college, the entirety of my faculty and deans and health center all told me to take time off from college to get my health situated. I told them all I wasn't going to take any time off and yes, it was difficult but I ended up graduating on time.

- I am not sure why you wrote meds at a young age "are a lose lose situation especially at my age"? Childrens Hospital @ PennMed treats children with Sjogrens. I gave that info to my GP who had just gotten a child age 5 Dx, Sjogrens. The Early Sjogrens test had me wanting to do a 'happy dance' in that it could help catch and treat patients early and prevent organ damage due to untreated chronic inflammation, etc. which is more often than not present in patients until they hit ' a brick wall and seek medical help'.
The earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis.

-There are wide studies of population of Japanese woman with Sjogrens.

- "In college, the entirety of my faculty and deans and health center all told me to take time off from college to get my health situated"
Often I have found others see our differences, which for us become par for the course.. we just get used to them. For the general population, our peers they are not normal.  A very strange feeling for example when a symptom is managed and we realize what a physical, emotional drag/weight we have been operating under.. until it, the symptom is managed and 'we' feel so much much lighter more 'able'. ( Example for me was extended prednisone trial .. high% symptoms managed = I was physically and emotionally shocked at the difference). I still remember the day DH referred to me as 'fragile'.. huh? Me? "You talking about me?" "Is that what people see?"  I do not say anything, I make adaptations, hmmm... but, people do see us.
They often see and sense more of our reality, than we do (we just adapt).  When I write-up my brief outline for Dr. appts.. I will read it off to DH and ask have you observes anything I missed? He lives with Sjogrens too, by proximity.

- "They kept going on about how I needed a big hospital with lots of equipment," ? 
Were these two from HR? Are they privy to medical information/notes, Dr. recommends that you do not have?
Many here in US find GP's have no understanding of what to do with SJS,nor the wider scope of the disease beyond sicca; so a 'nice' Dr. is OK, but how  is the Dr. monitoring and interpreting labs? My neurologist is Asian and very nice.. I realize "I" had to push with the unpleasant questions. and provide vetted neuro/SJS information to him.

Not sure if you want to ask employer to cut to chase and get to the point.
Then address any concerns for yourself and career.

[warmwaters]

A lot of this hinges on the exact contract you have with your employers.  But realistically, in most situations, employers tend to have the upper hand. That's not fair, but it is often true.

Imagine what's going through their head - "Hey, we've got this person who's complaining about her apartment. What do you think we should do?"  "Geez, let's just send her home. If we find her a new one, who knows what  she'll say about that. We don't need the hassle, or the lawsuit if she says she's sick because of the apartment".

Now as I said, that's not fair.  But that's probably the kind of calculation they are doing. So you need to look at what your options are, realistically.

Is there a way to make the apartment work?  Can you afford a different apartment?  Do you know someone you could move in with? Is there any sort of HR or appeals process at work? Could you get a new job (including relevant visas and permits)?  If you went back to the US, could you then find a different opportunity to work abroad?

No easy answers, and I can understand your anger and frustration.  Wish it weren't happening.

[ghostkiwi]

Irish- There are many foreigners and Americans where I live because I'm about an hour from a US military base. In my town specifically though, I know of 4 Americans that live there. Many foreigners commute to my town so I don't know how many aside that.

Quietdynamics- it's a lose lose, because though early detection is good, you still end up on not so savory medication for the unforeseeable future that have their own list of pros and cons and because I personally can only take methotrexate and I would like to have children some day.

Japan and America have many of the same laws and rights because after WWII we wrote their constitution. I spoke with my embassy and they got me in touch with a lawyer and the lawyer said that my employer can't fire me or make me quit based on my health and that that is very very illegal. They gave me the info for the labor standards department in case my company tries anything further, because they regulate that and can get in big trouble.

I negotiated with my company, and I had them meet with my doctor who was absolutely amazing. He essentially told them not to worry and that there was no medical reason to make me leave, but they did have to move me into a new apartment and gave them guidelines for the apartment. My boss spoke with one of my schools and saw part of one of my lessons and spoke with my BOE(they are the ones that actually pay my company) and essentially the consensus was that I'm a great teacher, I'm loved by my students, and they all want me to stay where I am for a long time. So my company essentially said....looks like you are moving into a new apartment and staying here.

Hooray! Thank you all for your support!

[quietdynamics]

 ghostkiwi, This is exciting and great news that you are sharing. I am sure with all of this cleared up, the support of your doctor, peers and students and the new apartment is wonderful relief.

I am considerably older than you and was Dx'd much later.. so the effects left me disabled. Which is why I am happy for the early tests. I missed, felt an immense loss of my peers and students, plus I relocated. A huge sense of void.

The addition of methotrexate these last years has helped in a number of areas.

I am wishing you continued success.

[cccourt1942]

     -----what a woman!!  You did it!!!  Yea
c3

[irish]

When you take the bull by the horn things happen!!!! Congrats. Irish

[warmwaters]

Congratulations. I'm glad that you were able to find the right people to resolve the situation. Keep living your dream.