Reference no: EM133528505

Question

A strictly enforced company rule states that an employee who leaves his or her area of work without first obtaining permission shall be considered to have quit the job. Melinda reported for work as usual on the second shift, Thursday afternoon. Shortly after she arrived, she asked her supervisor if she could be absent during the second half of the shift to attend a school meeting. The supervisor denied her request in a friendly, courteous manner. He explained that if he excused Melinda to go to a school function, he would, in all fairness, have to allow others who made a similar request. Melinda concluded that, in this case, she should not have reported for work at all. The fact is, the records show that she had a perfect attendance record for the year-to-date. She could have been absent the entire shift without fear of disciplinary action. Because lunch is only for half an hour, employees eat in the company lounge area. However, at lunch, Melinda left the plant and did not return for the remainder of the shift. When Melinda reported for work the following day, her supervisor informed her that she had walked off the job, and she was presumed to have quit. Therefore, she no longer worked there. Within minutes, Melinda, accompanied by the shop steward, was in your office wanting to file a grievance. You are the president. How will you handle this issue? More importantly, justify your actions, realizing that this decision will have bearings on future, similar decisions.