I have worked for my employer since December 19, 2011 as a part-time Manager-In-Training, then as a full-time Store Manager since December 10, 2012. I suffered a major heart attack on August 19, 2015.
Upon my return to work on March 8, 2016, after about a six month sick leave, I was presented with a letter that says I am being demoted for misconduct, for 15 debit refunds that were processed between January to April 2015. The debit refunds were processed by my daughter, a seaonal employee. I was responsible for going over store receipts as the Store Manager. I missed these debit refunds for unknown reasons, and swear the oversights were unintentional.
The letter of demotion states that my benefits are terminated immediately (March 8, 2016. I have been given four weeks at 20 hours /week, (my regular hours of work are 40 hours/week) after that I will be demoted from Store Manager to part-time Sales Associate, have my rate of pay reduced from $12.00/ hr to $11.25/hr, and be given the minimum part-time hours per week (not specified).
When I returned to work, the Acting Manager was not even aware that I was returning. I was not on the schedule at all that week or for the next two weeks. The District Manager (DM) was there to present me with the letter. I worked that day 10 am to 2pm and was invited by the DM to work the same shift the next day. I returned on March 9, 2016 to find the DM interviewing people for my position.
While I was still on sick leave, during the Christmas season 2015, several bank deposits went missing and more debit refunds were processed, allegedly by my daughter. Do I have any legal recourse, or rights to severance pay? Should I have quit? I have worked four short shifts so far and am unsure as to what my rights and responsibilities are in this situation. Please, if you could advise me in this matter, I would be greatly appreciate it. Thank you.