Need advice on employment law

[Carmen829]

Anyone out there knowledgeable on employment laws? My boss found out that I accepted an work offer from one of her colleagues before I could tell her. She called me into the office I confirmed the information and explained I was waiting for additional information before I could tell her. She became angry saying she felt betrayed and lied to by me. The next day she told me she could not trust me and placed me on administrative leave until she could figure out what to do with me! The other job does not start till August!

I feel this is retribution for my accepting the other job but I am unfamiliar with the laws. I've been searching the Internet and haven't found anything. Anyone know anything on the subject?

Thanks.

 

[deineira]

Hello Carmen,
I'm an HR Director, so I might be able to offer some insight to you. You're welcome to PM me, since I would need you to answer a few questions before I could really give you a decent answer. I'm happy to review your situation and see if I can help.

Eva

 

[melagras]

Did you sign a non-compete contract with your current employer?

Did you do a Google search for employment laws for the state you live in? Every state is different. Some of the law firms (that advertise on tv) where I live have info on their websites.

How did she find out that you took a position with one of her colleagues? Usually, the new employer doesn't volunteer that kind of info unless they are really close friends with the current employer and let it slip. Or, somebody at your new firm told your current employer out of spite.

Does your current employer have any info about this situation on their website or in an employee handbook?

 

[Carmen829]

Eva I PM'd you. thanks.

Melagras, I did not sign any contracts. This is an at will state. The leave was imposed the day after telling her I took the job and we agreed I would stay to help with transition of new person. No info on the websites. She heard thru another person, then cornered a secretary in the ladies room and intimidated her to tell her.

Thanks.

 

[JT]

Get legal counsel.

 

[melagras]

Have you contacted the EEOC to see what your rights are?

 

[tralaiven]

All I know is that I work in an at-will state as well and when I signed on it was with the understanding they let me stay and go at their will. It would be "end of story" if it were me (even though your situation sounds incredibly immature and unreasonable...what is she-- 7 years old and mad on the playground?).

I might consider stepping out of chain-of-command and appealing to her superior, if you are sure you want to stay there under those conditions, or maybe you would be able to go to a different department.