Bamboozled and attempted to terminate

[Anonymous <TwoBn2it@aol.com>]

After spending 6 months of medical leave, after 23 years (now 27) of service, I was called into the office of my manager and supposedly offered a job more in line with my medical restrictions. As a 3.9 GPA college graduate, can you imagine the insult when I was told that I qualify ONLY for a position as a ladies-room attendant? I replace empty rolls of toilet-paper in the morning and operate a freight elevator in the afternoon. When I protested, I was told, either take it or go on unemployment. With a mortgage, and no other means of support I grudgingly took the job. Imagine my horror, when the following morning I was sent to personnel, and administered 7 tests, of a very technical and industry specific nature,all to qualify me to change toilet paper. I pass them all, I happen to be an ex-aircraft mechanic, do-it-yourselfer (plumber, electrician etc), but was told by personnel that I should REFUSE this position. I was qualified for ANY job the company offered, why take this menial position.

My personnel records have been ignored, hidden, overlooked and I am constantly being offered positions ( because of downsizing) in field work ( underground, cabling, overhead(lineman),) that someone 45 yrs old. takes only as a death wish. The company I work for has paid for my college degree, and is currently paying for my graduate degree, yet I cannot seem to make anyone understand that I have a lot more to give than new toilet paper. I happen to be Afican-American, 45 yrs old, female. EEOC demands that I provide names of people who have discriminated against me...yet how is this possible when its the corporate culture and not an individual. I am not the only one, there are a number of people of color, with Masters degrees, who work in the mail-room, security, pocking up trash etc, while our GED or high school educated counter-parts receive great job oppurtunities. NO it isnt a matter of skill and knowledge, a lot of the people I work for have been trained by ME.  This whole situation seems insane. I don't know who is responsible for keeping me where I am, yet if I don't name them, I am literally screwed.