the company I work for has residents with disabilities and some have breathing issues. these residents go to day habs where there is more than 10. they go to public areas and have a tendency to touch people. I care for three of their residents in a group home environment. I am 61 years of age with a history of COPD. Been with this company for 3 years. I don't want to lose my job but I also don't want to take a chance at having, giving or contracting the coronavirus. the owner will not supply any mask, sanitary wipes, bleach, and very few times was there any disinfectant in the home. I have brought some of these issues up to her in the past but she said and I Quote "they have had their flu shots several months back so they will be ok". I was told I could go and buy me a mask. said there only about a dollar. she does not protect the residents or employees. I love those residents but I am uncomfortable now touching them, giving showers, allowing them to hug or kiss me, at least the owner does supply gloves for the employees, not the residents but started giving vitamin c for the coronavirus, also we did sign a waiver for proper handwashing.
Texas is an at-will employment state. Under the at-will presumption, a Texas employer, absent an agreement or statutory or public policy exception to the contrary, may terminate an employee for any reason at any time.
If you were to be terminate and if you feel your termination is unjust is I encourage you to file for unemployment benefits and request a hearing – if your employer asserts your termination was justified - to determine if you may qualify for benefits. This process may also help to flesh out any additional potential claims you may have for any further action such as discrimination or retaliation for reasons such as filing a workers’ compensation claim, reporting wrongdoings or violations of law, refusing to commit a crime or to act contrary to public policy, or performing a civic duty such as serving on a jury or participating as a witness in an investigation.
You can begin your application for benefits at this site: https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services
Depending on the response of your employer, or lack thereof, you may need to contact an experienced attorney their assistance with a hearing and to discuss any potential claim you may have. If you need help locating attorneys to consult, please contact me and I will give you some options - my numbers and information are available on this site.
Attorneys who practice this type of law all offer free consultations so it will cost you nothing to talk plus they work on a contingency fee basis so you pay nothing to have them fight for you
I wish you the best of luck.