This morning I was pulled into an office and asked to write a statement about an occurance in our parking lot that happened on Saturday. Here is what happened:
I was leaving for my lunch break and was almost involved in a minor fender bender with another car that pulled out at about the same time I did. To avoid the oncoming accident I sped up a bit and another car that was pulling out almost hit me. All accidents were avoided and no one was hurt.
Apparently the second car that almost hit me was one of our district managers and he has accused me of driving recklessly. I don't think that he saw the first incident and simply thinks I was flying through our parking lot.
So this morning when I arrive to work, my manager sits me down and I write my statement about what happened. He then tells me that pending investigation into the matter I am suspended from work. (read: off until they get my final paycheck.)
My question is, since I am an hourly employee and this incident took place while I was un my unpaid lunch break, I am susceptible to disciplinary action? Officially I was not being paid and therefore on my own time. Anyone out there have an information on the legitmacy of their bullsh!t?
*Disclaimer* Rest assured that I have put in a call to our HR department and other appropriate people. I am just curious to hear as amny opinions as possible. And for what it's worth, I live in California
**EDIT** You know, my store rents the property on which our store is located. Would this matter at all? What rights do we hold over our parking lot. We share the shopping area with a furniture store. Is it possible to even hold me responsible for this if we dont OWN the parking lot?
I was leaving for my lunch break and was almost involved in a minor fender bender with another car that pulled out at about the same time I did. To avoid the oncoming accident I sped up a bit and another car that was pulling out almost hit me. All accidents were avoided and no one was hurt.
Apparently the second car that almost hit me was one of our district managers and he has accused me of driving recklessly. I don't think that he saw the first incident and simply thinks I was flying through our parking lot.
So this morning when I arrive to work, my manager sits me down and I write my statement about what happened. He then tells me that pending investigation into the matter I am suspended from work. (read: off until they get my final paycheck.)
My question is, since I am an hourly employee and this incident took place while I was un my unpaid lunch break, I am susceptible to disciplinary action? Officially I was not being paid and therefore on my own time. Anyone out there have an information on the legitmacy of their bullsh!t?
*Disclaimer* Rest assured that I have put in a call to our HR department and other appropriate people. I am just curious to hear as amny opinions as possible. And for what it's worth, I live in California
**EDIT** You know, my store rents the property on which our store is located. Would this matter at all? What rights do we hold over our parking lot. We share the shopping area with a furniture store. Is it possible to even hold me responsible for this if we dont OWN the parking lot?
All he said was "How about you slow down a little?"
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