According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, efforts to oust Bob Ryan as the Mayor of Sheboygan because of his alcohol-related antics may have hit a snag.
That snag? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which the courts have found covers alcoholism.
The ADA prohibits someone from losing their job simply because of a condition that is categorized as a disability, and Ryan’s lawyer is arguing that while Ryan has had some much-publicized problems during his drinking binges, he has not done anything in the official performance of his duties to warrant being “fired.”
However, while Sheboygan’s Common Council may not be able to remove Bob Ryan from office because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a possible recall effort against Ryan would face no such obstacles.
What do you do when you smell alcohol on the breath of a boss? The day will start when he comes in late in the morning, from his hangover. He does not seem to be to concentrate when you are trying to talk to him and at times misunderstand your intentions when you try to submit recommendations to work solutions in the office. My experience of working under a boss whom has a bad drinking problem can be a real headache to employees whom are working under them, as they are unable to concentrate and focus with tasks that are laid before them and when someone makes a recommendation, they jump at them with an attitude of “I don’t need your help or guidance, I’m able to cope”. This is what I have to say working under a bad drinking problem boss.
That’s interesting. Since when is alcoholism considered a disability, protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act? Does this mean that drunks can plead disabled when they kill someone with their vehicle in the process of driving while intoxicated? Do airline pilots get a pass when they imbibe while flying?
WTF? There is something wrong with this picture if ousting this jerk is such a problem. I’m skeptical that he can use his drinking as a disability. Just sayin’…
The Americans with Disabilities act does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, it has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. However, ADA law is not a get-out-of-jail-free card that forbids employers from firing employees under any circumstance. Mr. Ryan ‘s claim is a weak argument at best.