Sister-in-law death and laboral permission

[malego77 2]

My brother's wife died in Mexico and I got out USA because the emergency. I didn't have enough time to wait to make the procedure or papers to get my permit for not to go to work. Anyway, I called to my manager but she wasn't there that day. I talked with somebody else and this person told me that he will pass her my message. Next day, I called her again but I wasn't able to contact her...

I'm afraid to lose my job because I was on my third week of training. I don't know my rights to this respect.

Can they fired me because I left my job?

How many days can I take off if my relative died abroad and I had to travel there?

I have a copy of the death certificate, is it enough evidence?

Thank you for any help, I'm really afraid to lose my job. It's my first job in USA and it was very hard to find it that I don't want to pass for this hard experience again and very soon.

[pedroh 21]

I'm sorry about your brother's wife.. but unfortunately, you have to consider several factors to this.. first you gotta see if your state laws are an 'at will' or contract for jobs.. if they are contract you are a little bit safer, but if it's 'at will', and specially if you were in your trial period, it's going to be a difficult situation for you..

also you got to consider, that HR sees the importance of the death, they wouldn't say much if it were (god forbid) a close relative, like your mother or father, or brother, but the brother's wife, in cold HR terms, is not as 'important' (nevertheless is still sad and hurtful for you and your family), as a direct relative

wish you the best, and I'd try to call your manager again if I were you, and explain the situation

Edited June 29, 2008 by pedroh