So, I got fired yesterday
 

I'm gonna Tarantino it right now. You got the end of the story, now we're just gonna go back in time a bit and I'll tell y'all why this happened.

So, I work in a factory in the town where I live. They produce pressure sensitive film. Or as normal people like to call it, sticky paper. I work in this factory as a part of their "Summer Help" program. They hire college students every summer to work in the factory just for the summer. Personally, I was working there because I had to save money to pay for my next semester at college.

Now, I worked in the packing department at this factory. My supervisor, Steve, is not too fond of me.

You see, Steve has a girlfriend, Sue. Sue works in my department. The same department which Steve is the supervisor of.

Now, Steve is about 45 if I remember correctly. And his girlfriend is 23. And I am 19. I've noticed recently that whenever I am near Steve and Sue at the same time, Steve acts a little weird towards me, and I almost get a vibe like he thinks I want to steal his girlfriend or something.

I remember one occasion where it seems like he thought I was looking down her shirt. The three of us were standing somewhere, and I was just kind of looking off in the distance. But I saw Steve look at me, then look at Sue's shirt, then look at me, then at her shirt, like he thought that was where I was looking.

And then suddenly the next week, with no warning, Steve brought me into his office and punished me, and said if my performance continues this way I will not be returning next summer, blah blah blah. And then he moved me to a different area. Still in his department, but not working with Sue.

So Steve doesn't like me.

Now, onto why I got fired. This tuesday night, I wasn't feeling well at work. I almost passed out on several occasions. So I went to Steve, and told him of this situation. He said to me...

"Go home and get some rest. Take care of yourself. And if you're still not feeling well tomorrow, go ahead and call in"

So I went home about halfway into the shift and got some rest.

The next day, Wednesday, I still wasn't feeling too hot. So I called in. When I called I actually talked to Steve, and he said "no problem, take care of yourself"

So when I got into work last night, Steve was waiting at the door for me, and asked me to go into his office. When I got in there, he informed me I was fired for my attendance. "2 Abscences in 9 weeks is just unacceptable"

So to re-iterate. He told me if I didn't feel well, to call in sick. So I did, and he fired me for it.

I've been pretty upset about this. This job was supposed to be my meal ticket for my college education this fall. Now I have no way to get a job quickly enough where I could make the money I need for my tuition and fees. And not to mention how completely unfair the terms of my termination were.

I'm in here looking for any advice that anyone can give. Anythng response is highly appreciated.

Does Steve have a boss? You might want to have a little chat with that person.

Fast food always seems to be a good place for a job in a pinch. Any McDonalds nearby?

Sounds like an unbelievably raw deal, Elwood. You got screwed over. If you could somehow document the happenings you could probably sue your boss for every dime. But that rarely ever works. Wrongful dismissal.

You could try talking to him again and be all appologetic, whatever it takes to get the job back. Believe me, I know what it's like to need the money.

And if that doesn't work, I have a way better idea. Tap his gf. Maybe even not that much. Just call her a couple times, maybe when the boss is with her. Be a jackass and maybe ask her if she wants to go on a date with you.

It's childish, it's immature, it's dumb, but it's the best plan I've got.

Does the place where you live practice 'at will' employment? If so, they can pretty much fire you at any time, for any reason. In return, you can quit at any time, for any reason. If you had been at the job long enough, they would have had to pay you unemployment, but you more than likely were not, as it's a summer job.

No, it's not fair, and it sucks big time. I've had it happen to me in the past.

1. I left a voicemail for the plant manager, Steve's boss. I haven't heard back from him yet.

2. There is a McDonald's nearby. I used to manage it, but then I quit when I went to school. The problems with working there are

a) there's only a month left until I am going back to school, and would be quitting again at the end of the summer

b) I made almost double what I made at McDonald's every week working at this factory. Basically I need to find a way to come up with 2 grand in a month.

Some money is better than no money. You are not in a position to find something better, unless it falls into your lap this afternoon. Even though you would only be there for a month, I would bet that McDonalds would be happy to have someone with experience take some shifts.


P.S. Tap Steve's girlfriend. :lol:

My DM would Shit on me if I did that to someone......poor management skills from your boss.....and depending on HIS boss, enough to get your job back, and put his ass on the fire.

Maybe I'm being WAY too serious for a Friday or maybe it is from all the sexual harrassment issues from my MMORPG, but I think the "tap the gf" thing is gross...using her (and note the term...USING) to get back at somebody else is not only immature, but very degrading to her.

For the submitter - this is a wrongful termination thing. Steve, aka douchebag, is pretty much guilty of entrapment. A supervisor cannot recommend leave and then punish you for it. His immediate supervisor should be told about the situation - in person. Using the phone allows them an out - oh I have another call, answering machine, etc etc. I'd bet Douchebag's supervisor isn't the best manager you'll meet, but maybe he/she will have enough sense to (at best) give you your job back or compensate you for the work time lost.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Elwoodblues thats a raw deal! obviously this guy steve is insecure with this girl of his, but that still doesnt give him the right to treat you the way he has, i would be pissed as well!! instead of just sending a viocemail i would try and see his boss face to face and explain the situation, and if his boss is a reasonable guy he should allow you back, it was a underhand way how he lured you into a false sense of security saying you where ok to take the time off. you have nothing to lose but everything to gain by going and seeing his boss face to face, GOODLUCK and i hope it works out for you.

If not, current affairs programs will pay you big bucks!

current affairs programs?

are those the tv camera guys doing the reality show twist?

I'd rather work at MacDonalds.

For sure push it with management. You have nothing to lose. Ask for an alternitive department to work in.

That is a horrible situation and I am sorry to hear that you got shafted. This manager sounds like he has definitely earned the title douchebag as others have dubbed him. I hope that you have luck with his manager. However, if you do get your job back will you still be working under Steve? Because that would be awkward.

I also would say 'no' to going after the GF. It sounds good at the beginning with revenge and all, but you are just stooping down to his level. Plus, the girl would probably be hurt in the long run.

Waiting tables is pretty decent money and it is money you can typically get right away. However, in my experiences they have made you train for about 5 shifts with no tips and minimum wage, so that probably wouldn't help you either.

Have you thought about financial aid? It sucks to pay back, but it is always an option.

Keep something in mind: When/if you talk to Steve's supervisor, do not mention that you think that he's trying to get back at you because of some kind of suspicion or jealousy over the woman. Keep to the facts of what you know, not what you suspect. It will make your claim sound more credible.

Well that is seriously a raw deal but I doubt anything you do will help because I was in the same situation at my old job and nothing happened except for my old boss getting a write up and that was about it. Its probably best that you just move on and just remember that what comes around goes around. GL dude

Most companies would frown on having a sexual relationship with someone you supervise. Douchebag might have a tricky situation there. Just a thought.

VERY good point!

This really stinks of sexual harrassment. The only way to settle that -is of course if you lie. I'm not recommending it -it's just something that isn't uncommonly done.

i say you burn the place down for taking your stapler

I'd have to agree with Daoust and say screw his chick. She's too young for him anyway, its only a matter of time before she strays. :D

She hot?

if your state practices at will employment... you cant do anything........ he fired you.. oh well.

if your state doesnt practice at will employment youre doing the right thing.. letting Dum-Dums boss know the situation and just asking to have a talk with him. I agree with fhq dont mention anything about betrayal or wanting to get back at you..just tell the truth about you being sick.

Im sorry that this happened. Most definately a shitty deal. I hope things work out for you :)

Steves a moron. Trust me I know. I know you know I know. Talk to his boss and try to get as much as you can out of this job. Let him know everything about him. All the dirty details. This isn't your carrer. Milk the shit out of the system. Thats what its there for. Just don't mention my name, I know you won't. :D Come on over and I'll smoke you up!:thumbsup:

The best advice I saw so far was to stick to reporting the facts.

Yes, be sure to talk to Steve's boss.

If that isn't satisfying, pay a labor lawyer $100 to make a phone call to THAT guy's boss.

Even if that doesn't accomplish anything, it would get Steve in a lot of trouble. Especially if you mention that Steve is his girlfriend's supervisor.

fhqwhgads hit the nail on the head. If your past performance has shown better and if the two absenses in a nine week period are not in line with established company policy, you have a good chance at getting your job back if management there is reasonable. BTW, where I work, you don't have two absences, you have an early departure and an absense. And also I don't think what you have described is a killer attendance problem.

You were going to be there for only a month more?

Screw it, not worth losing sleep over. I'm sure there are places around that will hire you. Try the local survey crew and see if they need a rodsman. It's easy, it pays well and you get evenings and in most cases weekends off.

As for the "he told me to call in".... it's his word against yours. You're a 19 year old kid just there for Summer employment, he's obviously had time in..... Question is how much do you truly want to push this. If it had been more than just a Summer job, I could see pushing it.

As for "unfairly fired" more and more states are becoming "right to work" states, which means in a nutshell the management can fire you for any reason they want. (They are also using this to bust unions and prevent them from forming, but there is a different place to discuss that.)

As for Steve and Sue being a couple, if you don't have proof and you make that accusation and it again becomes his word against yours and they believe him...... you could find yourself on the bad end of a slander lawsuit. Plus, Steve and his bosses just blow you off as a disgruntled ex-employee.

And if it is true he believed you to be looking down her shirt, there is the possibility that he could always have her say she had problems with you and that is why he moved you away from her. So instead of you blowing the whistle on their relationship, they turn the tables and you're looking at being labelled a sexual harrasser.

In all honesty man, it truly isn't worth the hassle or the worries. The more you worry about it and blow it up the worse it will be for you and the harder it will be to find a job.

I have faith in you, you're smart enough to be a member of TFP, you're smart enough to find a better job one that appreciates you and allows you more growth.

Peace

PS: as far as references go..... if you do use them (and having been a Mccy D's manager I don't see why you would) they cannot legally say anything about you other than date of hire and date left. They cannot say if you quit or were fired.... they cannot give out salary info.... they cannot legally answer any questions.

Most companies only confirm employment dates and refuse any other contacts...... as policy to avoid any possibility of lawsuits.

So if you were worried the termination will follow you it won't.... plus at 19 you still have a long long way to go..

GOOD LUCK IN SCHOOL BY THE WAY

Another option is to review your employment contract or whatever you signed when you were hired, chances are it allows for sick days. You should verify that it is in fact in violation of the company's policy in the first place.

Schedule a meeting with his boss.

Take it from one who has experience, even if you do create a commotion and get your job back, do you really believe anyone in the company will make your life easy?

Is going out for revenge and putting a man's livelihood in jeopardy just for a month's work really worth the trouble. If they do review your case, it'll probably not be until you are at school so what have you proven?

Most places when they hire temps can fire temps for any reason they like..... that's why it's a temporary position, they can assess the worker and the worker can assess them.

I just think some bad advice is being given, it's easier for everyone to say go get the bastard and create waves and yada yada yada...... but given the realities I doubt many would follow their own advice.

Just weigh what is important to you.... and figure it out from there..... but in all honesty revenge and bitterness just leaves you emptier and breeds more bitterness and anger.

There's a lot of truth/wisdom in the above.

You sure about that salary part? I was under the impression that dates of employment and salary level were legit.

There are other ways, though. When I'm checking references, I just say, "If your organization had a job opening, would you consider this person for re-hire?"

I've been told by an attorney that this is legal.

One other way is to use the information provided by the applicant. Example: "The applicant told me it was his responsibility to keep a fleet of trucks running at your business."

If the applicant grossly exaggerated his importance, there will be a snort from the person you're talking to.


But a great many small businesses don't know the legalities and will say a lot more than they should.

With at will employment you can be fired for no reason at all. However, if a reason is given, it has to be a valid reason. ie, if they fire you because you wear green shirts and it turns out you don't even own a green shirt, then they can get in trouble. I think.

for the first 90 days of employment, you're usually considered probationary... i.e. you can be fired for no reason, at the whim of the employer... (at least in this state)

after those 90 days, there is a verbal, written, and final warning procedure in place...

since you were there for the summer, I'd guess you'd fall under probationary laws...

BUT...did you sign anything that states the reason for termination? That can be used. I wouldn't even go to the supervisor about this... go straight to the wages and hour division at your local county gov't offices. They'll know the laws and pursue it for you if it has merit.

Ha! I misread that... too much Dungeons and Dragons during my college years, I think. I thought you were talking about the Dungeon Master...

Maybe you actually were?

Ugh... that was my first thought too...
/nerds

So ....
 

How did it go with Steves Boss, have you heard back? If not I would send him an email to have something in writing and try calling again soon as well.

To make some quick cash and make your 2 Grand for meals you can try & - find some Hot Stocks to do a quick buy and sell transaction or bet on a few games at www.bet365.com.

Keep in mind though there is possiblity you could lose as well and you do this at your risk but it can be a rewarding experience.

I am also very sorry to hear about this, can your parents help u out or can you borrow from some family friends and them pay back later?

How about find a On Campus Job to help pay for your meals?

2 big issues: one, the termination was basically entrapment (yes, that is the word to use in describing it). two, you suffered from unfair management practices, basically sexual harassment. it's seriously not legit to be your girlfriend's boss - that leads, clearly, to inequitable treatment (another big HR term to use) of employees. Outside of revenge... his boss or HR should know, so as to fix the issue for other future employees. I would definitely schedule a meeting and explain the entire situation honestly. Take responsibility for any part you may have had in your own termination, and lay out the circumstances calmly, without accusations, and also in writing. Go to HR if they have an actual HR department, they'll understand the issue pretty damned clearly.

The calmer and more mature you are able to be, the more someone will listen to you. The bottom line is, you need your job back. These reasons, abc, are why you feel there was a misunderstanding in your termination. You can still be useful to them - they clearly hired you to fill a spot they needed filled. Suggest another division. Be respectful. Be clear.

Good luck.

Strictly speaking, that isn't true. In an at-will state, wrongful termination is that which violates law or public policy. In other words, if you fire someone for cause, it had better be a good cause. You can fire someone for no reason, but you can't fire them for a BAD reason.

1. Document everything that happened, dates, times, etc.

2. Ask for a meeting with the company's HR director, explain the circumstances, and tell him/her you will not litigate if you are rehired.

If that doesn't work you can go to a lawyer, but you probably wouldn't get one to represent you without a large retainer, so I'd just let it go.

If he's this much of a dick to you, imagine how bad he treats his woman.

She'd be an easy target... I'd try to go after her. Take pictures of you both, then mail them to him.

In the grand scheme of things, you getting fired doesn't matter much, but him seeing those pictures will scar him for life. :D

Yeah, you could talk to his boss and all that, but I personally think there's a deeper satisfaction in gettin someone back ;)