ask: I am 67 year old male, Security Officer, have worked for a hospital for 23 years. Now they have ordered all the officers to take a fitness test. Running up 5 floor and down, run a 1/4 mile, plus weigh lifting. Can they fire me if a cannot pass?

Hi Anon

Thanks for your question and welcome!

This is a legal question that we cannot help you with but you can talk to your union about it (if you are in one) or an employment attorney. Each state has it's own laws pertaining as to how and why a person can be fired. Your own employment manual should state this also. Ask your employer what the outcome will be if you do not pass and if need be, ask for a deferment if you need time for this test. There's no harm in asking.

I really don't know if they can grandfather you in these kinds of circumstrances since a security officer likely has to attain certain physical capabilities because they are needed for his/her job.

Are you worried you cannot pass the test?
~Susan