Yesterday I received what could only be described as a gut wrenching call from my mother. After 30 years of service, she had been fired from her job.
My mother worked at Butterfly Herbs for 30 years, since my aunt used to be a part owner. She was doing it very part time, a day a week, more to just keep her involved in the community of downtown Missoula that she loves so much than for financial need. She never called in and often would cover shifts as needed.
I know that with today’s economy businesses are struggling. In a previous staff meeting, the new owner had mentioned cutting hours etc to try and increase profit revenue. As a long time employee my mom made more than a large majority of the employees. I understand making the call for financial reasons, as does my mother.
What I found to be absolutely appalling and had my mother almost in tears, was the reason she was allegedly let go. Her boss approached her saying someone had said she had used the word “n*gg*r” in the coffee bar. My mother is one of the most liberal and all accepting people i know. She practices Buddhism and meditates and is a true flower child of the 60’s, with a “Love and Let Live” view towards all things. She told me that if the owner had just been truthful when letting her go, she would not be so upset about it. But the complete disrespect of it really hurt her.
Sorry for the long post and thanks if you took the time to read it. I just wanted people to know the new owner is a real jerk.
EDIT: This is NOT about money. My mom is retired and receiving social security. She has no interest in seeking legal counsel, because even after being treated like trash after working there longer than anyone there (new owner started there as her coworker), she is not a vindictive person. Maybe I am🤷♀️. I made this post to show the complete lack of respect and integrity for someone who spent decades of her life helping sick people all over this town. It’s gross.