Wife told to resign from job

Steve S · #1 04-19-2008, 08:33 PM

My wife has been the director of a counseling services program for 6 years. She developed the program and hired all of the workers. During the past year, a woman had an agenda with my wife and created problems in the workplace for her by leading a rebellion with some of the other workers challenging my wife's position. Last week, my wife saw a memo to the CEO signed by that woman and other employees asking for her resignation because of a lack of confidence in her leadership. The CEO, with no discussion with my wife, asked for her resignation. My wife's supervisor come to our house, met with my wife, and advised her to not resign....that they will work out something. The next day, my wife saw a memo from her supervisor to all of the employees telling them that my wife resigned from her director's position and would be doing other "duties as assigned." Several employees who received the memo came over to show it to my wife...she never received a copy, and told her that they have been treated horribly by the other employees because they wouldn't sign the petition. They supported my wife and said that the charges were untrue. The other employees have been so hurtful to them that all of them are looking for other employment.

Sorry for such a long post but this has really upset my wife. She had an auto accident yesterday and had to be hospitalized. Is there anything that we can do?

seventhson · #2 04-19-2008, 09:23 PM

talk to a lawyer to determine if anything amiss occurred.

if she really didn't resign but is let go, then she's eligible for unemployment. if she's fired, then they need to document why. my guess is that they are angling for her to resign because they don't want to (or can't) justify a firing, and they don't want to take the hit on unemployment insurance if they laid her off.

resignation is always best from the company's point of view.

TrooperFarva · #3 04-19-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventhson

talk to a lawyer to determine if anything amiss occurred.

+1

Dr. Cheese · #4 04-19-2008, 11:08 PM

OP, get a good lawyer. Her boss really screwed up, and she may start her own firm with the settlement!

It may take a while, but one way or the other, she will get paid.

kserg · #5 04-19-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventhson

talk to a lawyer to determine if anything amiss occurred.

if she really didn't resign but is let go, then she's eligible for unemployment. if she's fired, then they need to document why. my guess is that they are angling for her to resign because they don't want to (or can't) justify a firing, and they don't want to take the hit on unemployment insurance if they laid her off.

resignation is always best from the company's point of view.

Yep! Sue them until the go out of business.

Usually i am not big fan of suing anyone, in this case, I'd love to see that company to go under. This way when other companies want to abuse their employees will think twice.

Munjibunga · #6 04-19-2008, 11:12 PM

Yep. Lawyer. Ultimately, if they realize they're off base, it could lead to a fairly lucrative severance package ... like a year's pay, say.

peterbright · #7 04-20-2008, 06:57 AM

Get real advice real quick. Don't delay. Don't resign!

JNowiski · #8 04-20-2008, 07:04 AM

killing spree.

ADbassman · #9 04-20-2008, 07:30 AM

Arson.

invader3k · #10 04-20-2008, 08:54 AM

The company definitely made some big missteps. A good lawyer is going to pay dividends in the long run. Get in touch with someone immediately.

davetakis · #11 04-20-2008, 09:05 AM

sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue

oh yeah and claim racism, no matter what, claim that.

Steve S · #12 04-20-2008, 10:51 AM

Thanks folks! We will follow up with an attorney.

txbasschik · #13 04-20-2008, 12:11 PM

The people your wife has been working for are morons. They have shot themselves in the foot, and do not yet realize they are bleeding!

They did not inform her of any infractions she committed, nor did they copy her on correspondence regarding complaints against her. They did not notify her directly, in writing, of any complaints. Oh honey, there are a whole *slew* of human resources errors they've made!

She should certainly be eligible for unemployment, and if y'all lawyer up, she may end up with a good settlement from these idiots.

I live in a "right to work" state, and even here, they can't force you to resign from a job...they can only fire you. These people have not fired her...they're trying to force her out. So...lock-n-load that lawyer, honey!

Cherie

ROON · #14 04-20-2008, 09:19 PM

Like the other replies say, I'd be speaking to a lawyer, the whole ordeal smells fishy.

Good vibes going your wife's way, I hope she is okay.

Steve S · #15 04-20-2008, 11:38 PM

She feels disheartened and the initial shock is still with her. The CEO didn't even discuss the charges with her before making his decision...thank you for your support everybody..

Bassic83 · #16 04-21-2008, 08:35 AM

First off, DO NOT ALLOW HER TO SIGN ANY LETTER OF RESIGNATION!

Second, I hope she is doing OK and was not seriously injured.

Third, follow your lawyer's advice. See if her car wreck can be used against the company (operating under extreme stress due to her unwarranted situation).

Fourth, voodoo doll, perhaps?

Seriously, I hope she's OK, and that company should bear her name...hopefully it will. I'm sick and tired of corporations, even smallish ones, abusing their people- not cool, and people having agendas are no excuse for not being ethical and, dare I say, moral. Too much is wrong with this picture for it not to be addressed in a harsh and swift fashion. Bring them down quickly and effectively. Good luck to you and your wife!

peterbright · #17 04-21-2008, 08:37 AM

Let them know your attorney's name.

MakiSupaStar · #18 04-21-2008, 08:51 AM

Lawyer up. Sounds like a hostile work environment.

thumpbass1 · #19 04-21-2008, 10:25 AM

Get a lawyer. I lost my day gig of several years, last year based on a health
issue that my former employer, a huge company, didn't want to make reasonable
accommodations for as I was told was my right under the ADA act. You have my
sympathy and prayers on your wife's troubles. Just tell her to be careful and let her
legal counsel work on her behalf. Stuff like this ain't right but sadly it's a game a lot of
employers are willing to play as they get what they want more often than not, as it's an up hill struggle for the employee that has been wronged to get any sort of justice. Most wronged
employees give up the fight because it is tough to win against an employer. I wish
you and your wife the best.

Gard · #20 04-21-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADbassman

Arson.

...have you seen my stapler?

I'm with the majority of posters, get a lawyer (make sure the lawyer is an EMPLOYMENT lawyer - yes they exist), and sue the pants off of 'em, underwear too if you can. This kind of crap is indefensible, and they need to be made to understand they're wrong in the most undeniable of ways - i.e. take as much money as possible, if not the entire company.

I am not a fan of litigation, but in this instance, it is justifiable.

I hope your wife is ok after her accident, and recovers quickly and completely - and yes, use the accident in litigation, if it is at all possible.