My former employer thought I was petty stealing. I could tell by some of the comments that were made. The problem is that she and my current boss have a mutual acquaintance. As one can imagine she lied and told her stories of why she believed I was stealing. I am 100% innocent. I have never taken anything from any job. Like they say if you look hard enough you're going to think you see something even when it's not really there. That's exactly how I feel. My current boss now has the whole company keeping an eye on me. Yesterday they made this quite obvious. I feel degraded. I didn't sleep all night. I also, suspect that she has them searching my purse when I'm not looking. on several occasions, someone was standing by my purse giggling. Things seemed out of place. Everyone seems to think it's funny, but I'm very hurt. What should I do?
2006-12-01 02:49:29 · 17 answers · asked by Julie S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Just quit. Your employer can suspect anything they want to suspect and can fire you for no reason whatsoever. You could possibly sue for trespass if you can prove they went through your things, but the damages you could collect would be minimal and not worth the time and effort.
2006-12-01 03:22:29 · answer #1 · answered by Bob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't quit unless you have another job you want to go to (remember to run to a job, not away from one, and you will find success). You don't have a case to sue. Why? Because you don't have proof. How do you get proof? Document specifics that give you the impression that you are being suspected, watched and checked. Confront your boss by asking "I feel that I am being singled out for something, I don't know what, but am I?" They will ask you what do you mean or what are some examples? Only state facts, not what you believe. Document their response.
Put your purse in a secured area or leave in your car, or get a smaller purse that you can keep at your side all the time. If anyone goes through your purse without your permission then they are breaking the law. Document everything, including feelings but only speak of the facts.
2006-12-01 03:07:01 · answer #2 · answered by Jerry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There a lot of conflicting advice here, probably because the answer will depend on your situation. One key issue will be whether your work for the government, a unionized private employer, or a non-unionized private employer.
You may have a case for defamation by your prior employer -- but you might not.
The idea that this is a hostile work environment or is harrassment is misleading. Those are usually ways to prove discrimination based on race or gender. You can't sue simply for "harassment" most places, most times.
If it was me, I would talk to the boss first -- in a non-confrontational way. If that does not work out, I would look for a new job. Then if the reputation followed me there, I would think about suing. But that's just me.
2006-12-01 05:00:56 · answer #3 · answered by Chris Lemens 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check with an attorney (Plaintiffs' attorneys in this area usually do not charge for initial consultations) but your case is very weak, because you cannot sue for "hostile work environment" unless the hostility or harassment is caused because you are a member of a protected class (sex, age, race, gender, religion, etc.) not merely because people are being jerks.
I think you need to talk first, while documenting what's going on. Of course, if employees are going through your personal things, that may be a violation of privacy law (the tort of "intrusion") or other common law or statutory law. But I think communication is the issue here. Sometimes, merely being politely confrontational solves this problem. Because if you keep quiet, they might suspect you.
If your company has a general grievance proceedure, follow it. If not, talk to your supervisor or your boss who's heard these rumors.
Good luck.
2006-12-01 04:12:36 · answer #4 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there an HR department at your job? If so have you tried speaking to somebody there? By no means should ANYBODY you work with have access to your personal belongings!Is there anywhere to lock your purse while you're working? I would actively start looking for a new job. In the meantime put a mousetrap in your purse and catch there sticky fingers! :) Good Luck!
2006-12-01 02:58:03 · answer #5 · answered by Whoareyou? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would be hard to prove that the information was shared. Speak with your boss in private and clear up any suspicion. If it continues I believe that would be grounds to sue for hostile work environment or harassment.
I worked in a busy department store and I was accused of giving an expensive shirt to a customer without charging, an older man I didn't know. It was an honest mistake, he said he didn't want it when he found out it wasn't on sale, I rang him up for other things and absentmindedly stuck the shirt in his bag, and of course he didn't say anything. It was caught on security tape and I was confronted weeks later and of course I had no recollection of it, it was during the holidays and I had wrung up hundreds, maybe thousands, of people since then. I felt like a lowlife because I know they were keeping an eye on me in that time. I had worked there for a few years and I was in a trusted position with access to lots of money. I'd never steal a dime. I felt like no one trusted me after that. But I didn't want to quit and run away with my tail between my legs. It was hard but I stayed there for sometime after.
2006-12-01 02:54:02 · answer #6 · answered by Sandy Sandals 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
till you're decrease than contract, he won't be able to sue you. i've got been staring at some Alabama state rules, and have not incredibly chanced on something approximately people being sued for quitting. i think of that the quantity of sales lost does not be that large. He could desire to evaluate previous years sales. even nevertheless, being a gas station...people desire gas in the past going to church/Christmas eve form of activities. it quite is a very iffy subject. are you able to seek for suggestion from legal help? or communicate to a legal expert after the hot 3 hundred and sixty 5 days weekend? they might have the skill to grant you extra sound suggestion. The company additionally needs to be careful, because of the fact if he is going to a techniques with telling different workers approximately what is going on, and what his plans are....he could have himself in severe subject-purchasers could desire to pay attention it...and who knows how a techniques it might go.
2016-12-14 10:24:24 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can see why you are hurt. If I were you I would just tell them that you know what they are up to and they are WRONG. I dont think I could stand to keep working there amidst the accusations. I would quit and find another job if at all possible. Good Luck!
2006-12-01 02:53:51 · answer #8 · answered by I know, I know!!!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
COnfront the issue with whoever is in charge...that way you can discuss it and hopefully clear the air, or this way they know you are catching on to whats going on....use the reasons why you feel this way and explain that its not necessary and if it doesn't stop you will pursue leagal counseling to know your rights, or just say that if it doens't stop you will leave. Who cares, if it is that bad why would you want to work with people like that? YOu spend too much time there to feel uncomfortable.
2006-12-01 02:54:03 · answer #9 · answered by DANNY B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find a new job...people are way too sue happy these days, and in the long run youare going to have to find another job anyway.
If you really thing that she is looking in your purse, then hide you purse.
2006-12-01 02:53:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋