Report: Kirshbaum Says She Was Fired Over Health Concerns

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Randi Kirshbaum

Longtime Portland air personality Randi Kirshbaum claims she was fired on Monday from Saga's Portland Radio Group -- where she served as Program Director -- for refusing to return to her office over COVID-19, reports the Portland Press Herald. The 38-year market vet, who aired on WCLZ-FM and WPOR-FM, said she provided her doctor's explanation of the danger COVID-19 poses to her health.

Kirshbaum posted on social media that Saga told her that she cannot effectively handle her PD post without being in the office. She had been working from home for the past six weeks. Kirshbaum said she was fired during an online meeting after requesting to continue working remotely at the recommendation of her physician because of a risk of contracting pulmonary fibrosis, which can be triggered by COVID-19. Her mother had died of the lung disease.

"They decided for some inexplicable reason that I needed to come back, even though I've been able to do everything I need to do from home," said Kirshbaum. "It was shocking, because this (pandemic) is a fluid situation. Two weeks from now, it could all be different."

Saga Senior VP/Operations Chris Forgy told Portland Press Herald on Monday that Kirshbaum was fired because she did not follow the terms she agreed to for working remotely. Forgy said when Kirshbaum started working remotely she had agreed that her situation would be assessed every two weeks to see if the arrangement was working, and that "it would be Saga's decision" as to when Kirshbaum should come back to work. He said she was asked to come back to work Monday, as other company workers were returning to the South Portland office as well.

After Kirshbaum refused to return Monday, the company "placed her on layoff," said Forgy. He said being laid off meant Kirshbaum might be brought back by the company at some point, and that it will continue to pay her health care. Kirshbaum said PRG is paying her health care for six months, but she got no indication she'd be brought back.

"She's completely uncomfortable coming back to the office, and it's virtually impossible for her to be a supervisor and not come back," Forgy told the newspaper during a phone interview Monday. "We need to have leadership in the building."

"Saga gave me an ultimatum, saying that if I did not show up to the office today, I would no longer be employed. I love my job, but I'm not willing to die for it," Kirshbaum wrote on social media.