A past co-worker recently left my area of employment (we've already lost over a third of our staff in a very short period of time)..She was recently told by her new boss that her old boss (my present one), stated that she was a troublemaker etc, when she called to inquire about her when she popped for a new job..This is completely inaccurate as would anyone who worked with her would tell you.. She's the best employee in my field I have ever worked with!! Her new boss didn't believe the stories anyways, subsequently hired her, and obviously has found her to be an exemplary employee..Anyone have this happen and any recourse?? Thanks

First we need to know a little more information. Was she italiano?

I had something similar happen. I had a boss who was horrible, and just like in your job, we were losing people constantly in our unit because of her. When she found out that anyone was looking to leave, she would say horrible things about them. Three of us were able to file a grievence against her, and we all were able to transfer out of that unit, I am no longer at that office anymore, but found out that she has since been demoted from her supervisory posistion because apparently a few more people filed grievences against her. Could your co-worker file a grievenvce? or talk to the supervisor's boss?

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

can you file a grievance after you have left your employer?? We have filed MANY grievances on other issues..Upper management closes there eyes to all this...

I can see why she's mad, but what does your friend hope to accomplish by seeking "recourse"? She already has a new job and I suspect she wouldn't use the old boss as a reference in the future.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

I totally agree and would leave things as they are, she found a new job as long as she is happy why look for more unwanted trouble. Hope your friends job works out fine. Peace. Catherine

Last 2 posters..There is Much History on the unit I work on of abusive behavior, lies, intimidation etc I have not elaborated on..It needs to stop before harm is done to the clients I serve as well as my co-workers.My co-worker has integrity and moral values she stands up too..What was done was wrong!!..Let's turn the shoes around..You want a new job now..The boss lies and says you are nothing but a troublemaker, etc..You were the best candidate for the job..You don't get that job or any other job based on her statements..Does that make a difference to you??That could happen to me and everyone else in the area I work on in the future and likely will..Yes my friend has a new job, but she wouldn't have, had she fortunately knew someone in the upper rankings who said,don't believe it..Hire her.She's excellent..Once you become a victim of "legal" workplace bullying, that has lasted almost 2 years now, you will understand..30+ of us have endured this for much too long..If I could leave I would, but my circumstances don't allow it..

Sorry. It sounds like this is more an issue for you and your coworkers still working at the same place, than for your ex-coworker. I can't see how your friend can do anything after she's left the workplace, unless her new boss wants to testify in court, or something like that.

I'd suggest you and your coworkers document all the abuse. Everyone should keep daily logs with dates. If all 30 of you pitch in to pay for a lawyer, maybe it would be affordable.

Personally, I'd never go to HR. HR works for the company, not for you. If you complain to them about the abuse, they'll look for ways to protect the company and the boss, not you. You will have shown all your cards. Get a lawyer and let him or her deal with HR.

__________________
If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Perhaps you need to go to HR or to that boss's supervisor or to a lawyer as a group and discuss the issue. It's wrong and illegal to spread lies about people in the workplace and it could affect someone's ability to find employment if they get laid off or the company shuts down. At any rate this person should not be allowed to continue acting in this manner.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

This is absolutely true. I worked as an HR assistant for over 30 years and and I could count on one hand the number of times the HR manager supported the employee instead of the boss

However, when a prospective employer called asking for a reference for a former employee, the ONLY information we would give is the job title and dates of service.

believe me when I say we've tried MULTIPLE avenues to correct this..bullying is not illegal..We can't sue because of the way our contract is written..long story..My friend can as she is outside now and not part of the union..She remains as angry as the rest of us despite having a new job ..she was gvien the slit your throat gesture for an example while she worked here by "the boss" because of something written she didn't like..she is in contact with lawyers..yes her boss would confirm the negative statements..HR- agree -they are management all the way..I guess you all can't help but if given the opportunity to stand up for what is "right" please do it..the clients I care for and stand up for to protect, could be yours..You could be on the receiving end one day..bullying not only effects the employee in my situation, but also the clients we serve...

If your friend goes to an attorney for her own matter, since she is no longer employed, would your union back you and the rest of your co-workers if you file a grievence? I would talk to your union rep.

__________________
~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

Union is readily aware of situation..Met a year ago as a group, with their lawyer and told "our stories"..They just say it takes a long time..We've already lost 12 employees-plus other ancillary staff. 35% or more of our staff..It's an intolerable situation, yet it seems to be "condoned"..I unfortunately am not in the correct cirucmstances to leave otherwise I would as the MANY others have..We never had turnover 2 years ago..It was lucky if there was one opening in a year..At the time, I was "fortunate" to get in way back..This is just so wrong..