Q: How can I find out why a non-profit organization I recently worked for and was unjustly fired from is about to close?
I was fired after more than 15 years by a new director of the program I worked at for the last 7 of those years, bc I challenged her abusive authority. I originally wanted to sue for unlawful termination however I did not want my ex-co-workers affected. Now most I knew have left or been fired so...
A:
There is no easy way to find out why a non-profit closes its doors. Look for news articles on the internet, or if you know any of the major donors, perhaps they have been provided with information.
As to your desire to sue for wrongful termination, I doubt you have a meritorious claim. That is because being fired for challenging a manager's abusive authority is not unlawful. Employers are allowed to be rude, abrasive and uncaring. Bullying is not against the law. The only way that kind of conduct could be unlawful is if you can prove you are being targeted for that conduct because you are a member of a protected class of people, or because you engaged in some kind of legally protected conduct.
Nonetheless, it would be wise for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.
Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low cost consultation in the beginning and then, if the matter has merit and value, will usually agree to work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.
Good luck to you.
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