My question involves employment and labor law for the state of: Texas
Before going into the description of my issue I'd like to say a few things about the situation.
Dating is usually frowned upon in most states, however, in Texas it's a little more laid back. The employee handbook states nothing in regards to dating in any sense.
For everyone's sake, I'll keep this from turning into a 400 page story and get to my point of view and questions.
My boss told a new female new hire that I was "single and ready to mingle." She took it upon her self to give me her number. I reached out knowing my boss didn't want me dating anyone at the office. I know it's wrong, I have my reasons. One being that I work such long hours that I cannot find the time to meet people outside of the work environment. Online dating was unsuccessful even after MANY dates. Moving on...
GETS INTERESTING HERE
Once my boss found out that we were dating, he immediately pulled me into a meeting and wrote me up for "conduct unbecoming of an employee." In the meeting he states that it is because of my relationship with this individual, that I was to be terminated in 60 days. I recorded the whole conversation. I start to make a little bit of a ruckus about it to some of my other peers. It's gossip, I get it. Word of me dating this person gets back to our COO. He pull myself and my boss into a meeting to discuss the rumor of my termination. He stated that there was NO issue with me dating a fellow employee, because we were both "front-line employees." My boss, defeated, states, "What about the other part of the PIP, the part about performance?" This "other part" does not exist in the PIP. But he goes on about it. And the COO agrees. So they reduce my pay by $15,000. Should I tell you my sob story or let you guys imagine what it's like for just a second, with a YTD check showing $15,000 lighter.
Below is the audio transcript with details of the PIP.
(Paranoid thought below)
He made me read it out loud and verbatim. If I messed up a word, I had to go back and say it correct. I wonder if he recorded. If he did, how could this hurt me?
Below are the reasons for the PIP - Straight from the audio file
Partner participated in review session of expectations and deliverables regarding employment at "Company" with VP of Bus Dev. Partner reviewed and acknowledged all expectations regarding "Company" employee handbook and commission calculator and job description of "My role."
Of direct note, partner was made aware that workplace dating was prohibited after a discussion with the department VP on the importance of the adherence to the dating policy, where legal liability and sexual harassment claims were just some of the topics of discussion.
Partner knowingly and voluntarily engaged in behavior that directly violates the dating polocy. VP of Bus. Dev, addressed the noticeable violation of the dating policy with partner with his own volition, shared detailed feedback on this engagement that was deemed in violation of the aforementioned company policy. VP of Bus. Dev. provided notification of 60 day opt out effecting continuation of employment at "Company."
I did sign this PIP. I was in no position to be out of the job in a city with no connections. I had to sign to survive and to support my kids. Yes, I have kids. I pay $700 a month in child support and I am so VERY happy to pay it! I couldn't live on unemployment and still send them what they needed for support.
Facts:
I am still employed here.
I have proof of my pay reduction.
I have proof and a pdf of the employee handbook and will send upon request.
I am VERY stressed and anxious from this issue.
I have had a symptom that was similar to an ulcer from the stress. Upper Endoscopy.
Do I have something here? Or did I sign away all my rights?

