BINGO!!!
If a company will only pay you for, say, two months while you're out on disability, then so be it. But FIRING someone because they had an unplanned medical issue?! And ESPECIALLY if it's a medical problem, even if the company isn't paying your salary anymore, they are probably still providing health insurance. But if you're fired, you have no job to come back to, and no medical insurance.
I suppose it's the right of any company to engage in this behaviour (unless restricted in a contract), but they should quit acting surprised when the employees aren't terribly interested in going the extra mile for the company. Everything is a two-way street. Show the employees no loyalty, then don't expect any back from the employees. Conversely, show the employees a little love (such as not firing someone while on disabiliy even though it may cost a little bit in health premiums) and the employees will be more willing to do things, such as work that extra day when asked, even though it means it costs the employee a little more time away from his/her family. (and the company can always make the money back, whereas the employee will NEVER get those specific missed moments with the family back)
Why is it that companies feel the need to go down this path? Treat your employees well, and they would NEVER have to worry about a union on property. Seems the new business norm is strictly about the bean counters. The human element is gone. Very sad. Especially considering how a good human element (Southwest Airlines) can lead to incredible success. Two sides working together will ALWAYS produce better results than butting heads all the time. But, company culture comes from the top, not from the employees. It's really up to management to lead the way.
This response is what I was looking for. Thanks. Interesting thoughts.