I gave my boss notice that I was leaving for graduate school in two weeks - although he and my supervisor have know for over two months. I am very behind on paperwork and other duties, but I have no time to finish them - I have told my supervisor repeatedly that I am swamped. He has threatened that if I do not finish them before I go, he will call my new graduate school and tell them that I am unethical. Is this legal? Can he do that since it's not a new job, but rather school? I am moving many hours away for school, so it's not like I will be able to help finish up the work after I move. Please help!
2007-07-24 09:45:02 · 9 answers · asked by Clarence B 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
No, your boss cannot contact your grad school to tell them you're unethical. Not finishing work before you resign is not unethical. If your boss does follow through, I imagine the phone conversation as this:
"Hello, State University."
"Yes, Bob Student is unethical."
"How so, sir?"
"He didn't finish his paperwork before he left my company."
CLICK
Now, if he calls the school and they expel you, then you can sue him for defamation. But I hope he realizes the absurdity of his threat. He's known about your departure for two months. Some sort of exit plan should have been created so these loose ends were not left when you leave. However, please do whatever it takes to finish as much as possible before your last day.
2007-07-27 17:11:56 · answer #1 · answered by je094 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, technically your boss can call your school and say anything he wishes. The question is really, "what are the possible repurcussions if he does so?"
Most employers these days won't even give a reference on a former employee for fear of litigation. You are correct, this gentleman would be slandering you by calling your school and impugning your ethics (which BTW generally have nothing to do with your ability to complete your work on time.) My guess is that he's just trying to bully you.
The next time he threatens, I'd reply with something along the lines of, "Boss, you've known for some time that I would be leaving on x date. I'll do my best to complete everything I can before I leave, but I've communicated to you on several occasions that it simply isn't possible for me to complete every project before I leave. I would like to think that we've enjoyed a good working relationship; however, if you insist on slandering me to my university, I'll be forced to take legal action. Please don't make me go downt hat road."
That should get him to back off a bit. You might also consider asking him for a temp to come in and assist with paperwork/filing/etc. for the next couple of weeks so that you can ensure everything is caught up before you leave, or ask him if there's anyone else in the office who can pitch in to assist.
Good luck.
2007-07-27 17:21:19 · answer #2 · answered by Mel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! He cannot do that. And if he did whoever he called would probably think he was crazy. If you have already been accepted to graduate school you have nothing to worry about. If your company has a human resources department, you should talk to them about this immediately. There are many employment laws which ban former employers from saying anything about you to a future employer (and if you will have an assistantship at your graduate school, then you are an employee of the school). My guess is your boss doesn't even know who the right person to talk to at your school would be.
2007-07-24 16:55:11 · answer #3 · answered by jenni 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh gosh, let him call if he wants. They will just certify him a nutcase when he calls and just hang up the phone.
Do not stress over this. You are obviously working for someone who is so ignorant about colleges, that they actually think that a phone call would do anything.
PS: DO NOT call the school beforehand and mention anything....that will make it appear that you were a "drama queen" and that you have personal issues with people. It's just better if you tell them, "Well, he just got bent out of shape because I quit my job"....they will totally understand.
2007-07-25 06:08:12 · answer #4 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, he can not call your school, and he should not call any future work places. If he does, he and the company are liable. You can receive a judgment against them. For several years companies have only given neutral references even for good employees.
2007-07-24 16:55:16 · answer #5 · answered by lestermount 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are well rid of this employment situation.
i doubt they will do anything ... their ire may trickle through the B school to the placement office, which could refain from allowing them to recruit there.
It'll likely be a rough two weeks ... but then, the past few months likely weren't a picnic either.
2007-07-24 16:56:05 · answer #6 · answered by Spock (rhp) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you might want to call or e-mail the school and tell them before hand. You should tell his boss what he is doing. If you do you should have dates and times.
2007-07-24 16:54:39 · answer #7 · answered by Shazam 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry. It is not likely that your boss even knows who to call. and no one at the university would even care what he had to say. It is ridiculous for him to even threaten something so dumb. What is he going to do next, call your mommy?
2007-07-24 16:55:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Un-ethical for him to do that
2007-07-24 16:52:44 · answer #9 · answered by Kelly B. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋