what are my rights when being laid off from a job but not having any paperwork before I left?

Question

They never told me if I was laid-off or fired until I asked. Then I asked what did I do to deserve this and they had no answer. I am the only person that knows how to my job, which is final repair and paint repair on towable trailers. I also work with 80% Amish which don't like me because I am liberal. Oh yeah, my supervisor use to be Amish also.

Answer 1

There are no rights for you. The company has a right to lay you off. My entire line was shut down and laid off when I was at Chrysler..they called us in one by one to tell us, that was it. I was so mad, I had just bought a new car before I went in that night.

Answer 2

This is another case where you may be out of luck because the republican administration and congress have so weakened the Public Defender Office that employees have almost no rights left on their side.
However, usually you can find a lawyer that will provide you a consultation for free or a small fee.
Did you pay taxes through your employer? If so, did you keep any records of the tax's. If there were taxes withheld and then sent in there would be a record. If you were just laid off without notice, then in California you would be entitled to unemployment insurance through the State Unemployment System. Or were you being paid cash. Also, the Amish may have special rules around their employees.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

What state do you live in? In certain states they HAVE to give you a reason when requested. They can get fined if they dont.
Also you do not need any paperwork to file for unemployment, and since they laid you off you are eligable for unemployment. All you need for unemployment usually is the address of the employer, a phone number, and sometimes they ask for copies of your last paycheck.
I hope you find another job, it sounds like they laid you off for the wrong reasons.

Answer 4

Laws vary form state to state. You can file for unemployment and you can consult a local labor law attorney to determine what rights you have. Most of the people answering these questions either aren't attorneys or aren't admitted to practice law in your state, so do not rely on much of the advice you receive in this forum.

Answer 5

You have the right to go find another job, or become a self-employed finish painter. Seems like a good career. Quit griping, and go to work!

Answer 6

If you are working in an at-will state, there's not much that you can do. If you are the only person who knows how to do your job, your former employer is now in self-induced bind.

Answer 7

Zilch, an old Amish word for get stuffed.

Answer 8

Unfortunately you probably signed an "at will employment" form when you where hired. This protects them and allows them to let you go at any time without cause. All companies do this now. Try to get your unemployment.

Answer 9

Every state has different laws and regulations. You need to locate your stat'es toll free number for the Labor Board and call!

Answer 10

VERY IMPORTANT:

Make sure you get documentation of being told not to come to work, otherwise they can claim that you just stopped showing up. If nothing else, write them a letter (keep it nice and professional) saying they told you not to come to work and asking for a formal letter of dismissal.