fired because of workplace bullies...

HellOnHeelsNH started this discussion · 3/6/2013

Ok so i was fired yesterday only told that i don't get along with the others... Interesting since i have been reporting being bullied by these women for months, but since they (the 3 women) are the managers "friends" I'm the one who pays the price even after reporting the Harrassment and feeling like i had to deal with it to keep my job. I have had no oral or written warning for anything since I've been employed there and i have exceptional reviews and sales. Anyone have any legal advise? Im really feeling that i have i valid wrongful termination lawsuit? Thank you for any help

17 replies

chemgoddess1 · 3/6/2013
First question: is it really worth fighting for? It seems like you were unhappy while working there. There is no law on any books that states an employer has to even give you a reasson for termination and I think you will have a hard time finding a lawyer that will take your case.
chemgoddess1 · 3/6/2013
I don't mean to sound witchy here, just really think about if it is worth putting your energy into this or into finding a better fitting job.
HellOnHeelsNH · 3/6/2013
I already found another job but what they did was wrong and i have everything documented...should i let them keep doing it to the next victim...
chemgoddess1 · 3/6/2013
Make a post on glassdoor about the company. What would you gain from a lawsuit besides a sense of "getting back at them"? Do you have the disposable income/time to hire a lawyer and fight this? Again, there is no law on the books that states employment is a contract. Just like the breakup of a bad relationship......if you keep dwelling on it it means that they won.
chemgoddess1 · 3/6/2013
These are typically what is considered wrongeful termination. I would look up your state and make a determination from there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrongful_dismissal
en.wikipedia.orgWrongful dismissal - Wikipedia
HellOnHeelsNH · 3/6/2013
The company employee manual has a procedure of two written warnings and a final warning for termination and i have never been written up for anything and that does fall under wrongful termination, but I'm retrospect you are correct about time and money i can just move on I'm no means rich but i also didn't deserve to be treated like that for no reason... I Am gonna consult A lawyer and see if i even have a case just wanted to see what other people think of what i should do. I am thinking about what you said though thank you :)
chemgoddess1 · 3/6/2013
Sometimes we need to take a step back, breathe and get a clear head, and let our emotions settle down. I hope whatever decision you amke turns out for the best. And post on glassdoor. I cannot tell you how valuable a site that is for job seekers.
calipolepixie · 3/6/2013
I think you should def see what a lawyer says and then go from there. If you find a lawyer who can help you & thinks you could definitely win without a doubt, then I say pursue a lawsuit. It's worth it to prevent someone else from having to go through what you did & it will make the company take reprimanding employees who are bullying more seriously in the future because they dont want to get sued over & over. I suffered from bullying at my past job from other managers as well, they were all buddies & protected each other too. My husband kept telling me to document the incidents more consistently (& the incidents I did go to my boss &/or HR about, somehow they turned it on me & made it my fault or brushed it under the rug, so eventually I gave up fighting & just took the bs) & get legal counsel but I didn't listen, wish I had. I was one of the most loyal, honest, never late, rarely called in sick or took vacations, NEVER abused the company credit card or $ (other managers did), first one in office, last one to leave office, i was without a doubt one of the very few of the hardest working employees there. I ended up getting laid off from there but the bullies who have been lying & stealing from the company for years are still there?!? So assed backwards. I was & still am a little peeved about it but at the same time, I realized that it really was a blessing in disguise, I was super unhappy there. Sure, I haven't found another job(it's been a year since I was laid off!) but it's been the most liberating, humbling, eye opening experience & everything happens for a reason. The company is not doing well financially (hasn't been for the last few years) & a couple people whom I still talk to there say things have gotten worse financially since i was laid off & they would be highly surprised if the company makes it another 2 years. Hang in there & be strong, if you want to talk, inbox me I'm here for you.
PlatinumAni · 3/6/2013
I got to go with Chem on this one. Even if you decided to pursue this unless you can prove harrassment or discrimination... there won't be much point. I deal with this often in my line of work really even if you proved wrongful termination, the most you will likely get is your job offered back (which you don't want) or the right to draw unemployment (and you are employeed). She nailed when she said employment isn't a contract. Outside of that you MAY get someone in trouble, but since they turn their heads at this stuff probably not... At any rate most states, mine included, are "at will" states. We employee you at will and may dismiss you at will. Good luck and just remember, they will get theirs ;)
HellOnHeelsNH · 3/6/2013
Lawyer was nice said hand book policy should be followed by law but i would have to prove they always followed that policy before me and they probably didn't, so he said it would be too costly and time consuming with only a slight chance i could win even with private small claim. In his opinion is not worth it and it would be hard for an attorney to take a case so slim for little return he said what they did was scummy and karma has a way of weeding that out lol
Lee lee · 3/6/2013
What a sucky situation! I hope karma does bite them in the butt!
calipolepixie · 3/6/2013
Ok cool I commend you for at least asking a lawyer it never hurts to find out your options. Sucks that it happened I know how crappy it is but just hold your head up & move on karma is a bitch...bad people never get away with hurting good people. xxoo
Anonyma · 3/7/2013
just put a small rock in the cap of their tired then screw it back on park away and watch the show! loll
Lina Spiralyne · 3/7/2013
Sh*t what a crappy workplace, I'm sorry :(. Hate this kind of things but I have no legal advice since I don't even know how it works in your country. Personally I would just have felt very tempted to turn to the local paper or similar to let everyone know...
Sassafrassle · 3/7/2013
Where I live, I'm pretty sure there's an employment court where you can apply for wrongful termination and possibly be awarded damages, depending on the situation, but I'm guessing things are quite different in the US! Sorry it worked out badly for you but at least it doesn't seem to be hampering future employment prospects, which would have been one of the potential negative side effects
HellOnHeelsNH · 3/7/2013
Had my first night off training tonight and all i can say is...yay i love it! Things happen for a reason :-) thank you ladies for all your help and support!
HellOnHeelsNH · 3/7/2013
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