Fired for a different reason than they are stating?

Question

I had worked for my previous employer for 1 year and 6 months. I had some person issues with another co-worker that started the same week as me. About three months after I started at the company there was a new position that opened up that would have been a promotion to both of us. They did not even consider her for the position the just offered it to me and she was upset because she really wanted it. Things just went sour between the two of us after that. Recently things were escalating and she was trying to tell me how to do my job and she was also yelling and barking orders at my guys. I gave a verbal and written complaint to both my boss and his boss. And asked them both for guidance several times. But never had gotten any responses from either one. For the most part I just ignored this other girl unless it came to work to avoid conflict.

However two days ago out of the blue, the office manager (the person above my boss) pulled me into his office and told me that "I" had to solve

"MY" issues with her or else I needed to find another job, and I had 24hours to fix the situation. I explained to him that I had tried to fix it and I try to be polite to her but she always hangs up on me before I can even get the T in thanks out, but I wasn't sure what else I was to do it was obvious that we would never get along personally.

That night I was up all night coughing and did not sleep much so I called my supervisor at 6:30am to let him know that I would not be in to work and explained to him why and he was ok with that. I told him that I would have my cell phone and would be periodically checking my email in case anyone needed anything.

At 10:00am I get a call from the office manager (the person above my boss) and he tells me "I assume that since you did not show up today, you are going to seek employment else where, I think that would be for the best as this issue has gone on too long and on top of that you were lacking in your job performance.

At 11:00am I go into

work to collect my belongings and my supervisor tells me that he is so sorry he had no idea what had happened, that he called our cooperate office and tried to fight for me but they told him it was out of his hands, and that I was the best employee he ever had so if I needed any kind of reference to be sure and let him know. I know that the real reason that they let me go was because the girl I had a conflict with is a blonde with fake boobs and the office manager (the person above my boss) is an old pervert.

Know I am hearing from other employees that they are telling everyone that I was fired for lying on my time card. Which is an absolute lie and therefore they cannot prove that. Can they drag my name through the mud like this and make me look so stupid???

Sorry so long but I really need help!!!

Answer 1

Well, your upcoming job interviews are going to be good practice in speaking tactfully about people you can't stand, that's for sure.

The good thing you have going for you is the supervisor who will give you a good reference. You're gonna need him.

When you interview and they ask for an explanation, explain that you were in a difficult situation, that you tried to supervise an subordinate employee, but whenever she was unhappy with your decisions, she complained about you to friends she had higher in the organization, and that one of these higher ups dismissed you. Conclude that it was a very difficult case of office politics, but that your work was liked and respected by your immediate supervisor(s). Or, you might brainstorm with your old supervisor about what to say.

If you can swing it, you should have a friend call your employer in a couple weeks and ask for work references. If they say anything about you lying on your timecard, and it's not true, then it will become a legal matter (slander basically), and you may need to write them a letter and/or retain an attorney.

There's one thing I have to point out though. You should never have taken that day off, on which you were expected to be there on the deadline day for your "solution," unless you were hospitalized. Never take time off during crises at work, even if you don't feel well--you will look like a schmuck and a person who shirks responsibility.

I suggest reading the short book "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Interview Questions & Answers," by McDonnell.

P.S.: Duh, I forgot this earlier--Maybe it goes without saying, but the reason it is important to be tactful in your future conversations with potential employers is because it is seen as extremely poor manners to bad-mouth a previous employer or co-worker. You must find ways of getting the essential points across while still sounding neutral and diplomatic. Unlike a few of the respondents here who, for some reason, feel a need to attack your question and the way you asked it. That's why Y!A is here, right?

Answer 2

I read your previous question where you quoted the complaint letter. I thought that you wrote too many details, which made you sound a bit up-tight and obsessive; unable to get over small stuff; having to vent it in a letter to your bosses. Very unprofessional.

The way you describe them firing you, it sounds to me as though they never really liked you. Because usually the thought process of justifiably firing someone is long and involves lots of people. Likewise, that "24 hour" warning sounded like a professional sugar-coated way of saying "we are fed up with you." It souded to me like they were a hair away from firing you right then and there, but decided to give you one last chance. And you not showing up the next day pretty much cleared their consciences of any sympathy or doubt. It sealed it in their minds. You should have read between the lines of that "24 hour" warning. Seriously, what a shame.

And I guess the fact that this is coming as a bit of a shock to you shows that perhaps your perception of yourself is a bit different from how others actually see you. Sorry, just being as honest as possible. Don't hate me for being harsh ok? And I wish you the best of luck at finding a new job!

Answer 3

Well if you make simple stories this complicated at work, I can see the issue from here :)

They are not obligated to tell you any reason for being fired - you work "at will" which means you can be fired or quit for any reason or no reason at any time.

I wouldn't be so sure about the office grapevine.

And I am sure there are 2 sides to every story. The other worker might be blond with fake boobs but all that tells me is that you imply she somehow manages to express herself in far less words then you do in the same situation.

Sometimes that is a good thing, fake boobs or not!

Answer 4

If you work in an "At Will" state, your employer may fire you at anytime for any reason. Not every state is an "At Will" state, so double check before go further. However, the BS about why you were fired must stop.

Ask the personel department for a letter of termination explaining why you were fired. Also ask for copies of your pay stubs for the past 6 months, you will need them for Unemployment Benefits

Consult a lawyer specializing in labor law in your state for sound advice. If you are a union member, talk to your union rep ASAP.

Answer 5

There are 3 sides to every story; yours, mine and the truth. We take it that you are telling the truth. In my opinion you have been honest, polite, tactful, conciliatory, a good group worker and anything else in that regard. You have my sympathy. If you can prove what you say you should take the matter further. In the meantime be careful what you say about the other girl and the clown who sacked you.
All the very best.

Answer 6

Take the references immediately and take your dues and leave. Dont let this upset you or dont even bother to explain your point of view to the men around there. The woman who is your enemy there is spreading her legs around and so she has them all dancing to her tune. She will be kicked out once they are done with her, she is cheap. Get yourself a new job, it wont be a problem. You are an intelligent person with personality and attitude and your will be fine. Dont let all this bother you and stress yourself about it.Learn from this experience and get stronger in life mentally and physically.Its a wicked evil world and everyone is out to use and abuse someone at any cost.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

do you have any thing to prove that they said you were having problems?
did you save you e-mails or anything?
it does not seem right to me, but I'm not sure what to tell you,
i was written up last week for my time card, i did do it, they have prove, but i didn't do it on propose. but they wont believe me. it was only 30 minutes and i only got written up, but I've worked here for 3 yrs and this is the first.


sorry to go on about myself, wish i could help you more
best of luck!

Answer 9

alot depends on which state you work in, but a labor lawyer seems like your only recourse. sue them