Manager Commits Libel to Prevent Promotion
My question involves defamation in the state of: Connecticut.
I currently work at employer that Ive been at a little over 6 years. I am one of the original and first employees of this company and have worked hard over the years to build it up to over 170 employees. I have never received a bad review, in fact all my reviews have been excellent. I have never received a customer complaint and my hard work has actually brought in tons of new work for the company. I have not missed a day of work in over 3 years. Recently, our original manager took a position higher up the chain and he placed a new manager in his place. This new manager and I havent always seen eye to eye prior to her promotion and it seems she hasnt forgotten. In April, I had my yearly review and everything was fine. Then about a month ago i received a meeting notice to meet with her and HR.
In this meeting she presented me with a form telling me I am being removed from my position and demoted. The demotion includes less pay and less benefits and higher cost of insurance. All that she could say was she receieved "complaints" but refused to eloborate. On the form it was full lies saying I was not fulfulling my obligations in my position. I imediatly stated that that was not true and my customer scores reflect that. My teammembers like me and I have perfect attendance for 3 years straight.
Never the less, she wanted me to sign this form stating this. I insisted that she add that I did not agree. she also added it was for informational purposes only. I also said to them that they should have atleast given me a warning so i could "correct" any complaints they may have. This manager has been trying to hold me down ever since she started. I feel this has hurt me financial, prevents me from getting promoted and threatens my families stability. I have copies of all my perfect reviews from day 1. I also kept all the customer awards i received for outstanding service (16 in all, the next person has 3). I feel this manager is a bully and is threatened by me professionally.
Do I have recourse? I feel as though I am on eggshells.
I should also add that this manager has been known to do this to other people. I've seen people let go for what they said was "lack of work" but then process them out as a performance issue. I dont know if that affects unemployement. She has also discriminated against and employee that is disabled (broken back).
Re: Manager Commits Libel to Prevent Promotion
Your normal recourse in a situation like this is to get a different job.
We don't know anything about the supposed "lies" or whether they are simply unflattering opinions. Care to fill us in?
You haven't told us if you have any recourse under a labor contract, employment contract, or your employer's policies and HR department, to dispute your manager's findings. If you do, you should explore those options.
Re: Manager Commits Libel to Prevent Promotion
Trying to sue for libel or slander in the workplace is extremely difficult from all aspects, legal and evidentiary. It is probably as difficult as suing the media these days, which is actually as a practical matter next to impossible in most cases.
Also the damages available are hardly worth it.
The only thing making damages worth it is if one could sue for negligent or better yet, intentional infliction of emotional distress along with the other torts. The legal standard to collect on these torts is very high and most cases where people think they can, do not meet the legal standards.
The only way it usually ever works is if you are in a federally protected class and the discrimination is severe and ongoing, such as sexual harrassment, and you document it well.
Basicly, find a new job.
Re: Manager Commits Libel to Prevent Promotion
OK, your manager for whatever reason says your performance is not up to snuff (if it is or not) ... they can do that. Unless they say you did something specific (stole money etc.) there is not alot you can do about it. CT is an at will state.
I know its not what you want to hear, but its just the way it is.
Re: Manager Commits Libel to Prevent Promotion
So sorry you've worked so hard to just be tossed aside to satisfy some worthless manager's ego. You've likely paid for your own salary dozens of times over and have been as loyal as the day is long.
Your legal recourse may lie with you being domoted and you need to be able to tie that to discrimination based on a protected class. If you have a contract with the company or are part of a union your options may become wider.
I know this is hard for you and your family and I suggest you talk with an attorney to see if you have anything. Most folks on here aren't lawyers, but rather seem to be employers with a vested interest in keeping the proletariat down. You may have something, but don't get your hopes up to high.
You did mention that others have been slighted by this witch too. If you want to take a run at her, get co-workers on your side. Replacing several employees affects the companies bottom line a lot more than one manager.