Q: Was let go from my employer of 13 years for having knowledge of a "slush fund" that was created long before I ever start
I was told at the time that money was missing from the fund and although they knew that I was not involved with the missing money, they let me (Operations Manager) & the Vice President go. I was told he was responsible. I was also told that they would give me a good recommendation and would in no way hinder my future work opportunities. I was then denied unemployment for "misconduct." Which again, I had NO part in! This was in September & I have struggled finding employment since. I have ran into several past clients that have told me when they go into the office now that the employees are speaking poorly of me advising customers that I was let go for stealing money. Customers have come to me and told me they are arguing that this can not be true, but that they have heard that story from several of the current employees of the company. I feel this is defamation of character and I am being wrongfully accused and it could be affecting my employment opportunities.
A: You need to contact an attorney in your area who practices in the field of employment law (which differs from labor law that deals with union and managements situation. Bring every scrap (repeat: every scrap) of paper you've got documenting the situation from when it began until you see the attorney. If you have an employee handbook, bring it. If you don't have an employee handbook, beg or borrow one from a former co-worker, but bring one to the first appointment with your attorney. Bring paycheck stubs or wage records, bring everything from your unemployment application and hearing, names/addresses/phone numbers of the customers who've told you about the situation and of any employees of the company who are known to have spread the untruths. If you wonder whether the attorney wants to see a particular documents, yes, he or she does.
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
