Law-Forums.org

[atworth49]

So I have been enduring a series of stressful episodes with my uppers at work.

Preface:
A co-worker of mine found a news article online depicting my manager as a felon and claiming that she had embezzled more than $20,000 from the place of business at which she previously managed.
At first, I was in complete disbelief but the description of the woman matched my manager's work history, physical identity, and the previous location in which she lived. Unfortunately, the article also claimed that she is currently out on $15,000 bail.

Now, herein lies the issue, my co-worker (the one who found the article) was fired because she posted a tweet exposing my manager's teenage daughter for a drug addict via screenshot of a text message. When my manager came across this, she demonized my co-worker in the eyes of the owners until they agreed to let her go.

In retaliation, my co-worker typed a letter listing all of her grievances and the unprofessional way in which the store had been run as well as an attachment of a copy of the news article marring my manager's legal history.

My dilemma rests in the fact that because I was friends with my co-worker; my manager is convinced that I am out to undermine her and "sabotage her job" as well. She has interrogated other employees and attempted to force them to admit that I was the one who sent the letter in when the fired co-worker admitted to doing it herself. My manager also freequently cuts my hours and changes my schedule with complete disregard for my pleas to have off. When I turn to the owners, they seem completely fooled by the beliefs of their manager and have black-mailed me by withholding all of my hours until I can admit that I had a hand in uncovering details about my managers indecencies with the law.

Here's why this is so frustrating:
My manager grew up with the owner's and they are from the same home town. They are convinced that I am out to expose their hired felon to corporate headquarters and report all of their misconduct.

My question:
What can I do legally to combat this? Is my only option to resign?

I understand this job is not my main source of income as I am still in high school and am under the wings of my parents but I feel as if a real injustice is in place and I have an opportunity to quell it.

[sonny]

Nothing you can do legally. They have no obligation to give you hours you want, or any hours at all. Why they haven't just fired you I don't know, since they can.

Take it as a life lesson - life is not fair. Period. Sometimes crappy stuff happens and there's nothing you can do about it. LIke in this case. Crappy, but nothing you can do but quit and find another job.

[jordi]

There is nothing you can do that will make this situation better for you. Since you seem mired in the politics, rumors, and general crap that's happening here, your best bet is to cut your losses and move on. Start looking for another job asap. The sooner you can get out of this toxic environment, the better.

At your next job, choose your friends very carefully, and do your utmost to stay out of the company politics and rumor mill.

Sorry that I don't have better advice for you. Good luck.

[gall]

OMG...a discrimination suit? Really because you are gay, dress wrong?? C'mon, if you get fired you know it's because you participated in damaging gossip with other employees.

Don't fool yourself, they can fire you for any reason they want. In fact, they don't even have to give you a reason. I would fire you just because you sound like an immature teenage trouble maker with a chip on your shoulder.

You are overlooking a very simple concept - they are the owners and managers, and you are a lowly, rank and file worker that they can replace tomorrow.

Nobody "demonized" your friend because of the tweet about the daughter. Your friend caused all the trouble for herself. I would have fired both of you immediately.

[boyce]

OMG...a discrimination suit? Really because you are gay, dress wrong?? C'mon, if you get fired you know it's because you participated in damaging gossip with other employees.

Don't fool yourself, they can fire you for any reason they want. In fact, they don't even have to give you a reason. I would fire you just because you sound like an immature teenage trouble maker with a chip on your shoulder.

You are overlooking a very simple concept - they are the owners and managers, and you are a lowly, rank and file worker that they can replace tomorrow.

Nobody "demonized" your friend because of the tweet about the daughter. Your friend caused all the trouble for herself. I would have fired both of you immediately.

After reading your story, I am assuming that you've already weighed all the pros and cons of staying or walking out of this job. Sadly, there are just cons and no pros. The best thing for you would be to resign peacefully from this job and get out of this mess. However, read out the company's resignation terms and conditions and try to fulfill all of them. Once your resignation is accepted, request for an opportunity to speak with the owners. If you get the opportunity (in normal circumstances, you appear for an exit interview), let them know what the truth is. Be careful to use polite words and a decent language and refrain from blaming your manager while speaking your heart out. I know that since they are already aware of the situation, it may mean nothing to them. But, it'll help you a lot. Though this is an extreme situation, you should prepare yourself for such politics and nonsense, in different forms, in almost every walk of professional life. All the best.

[darrell]

I'd call the cops from a pay phone and tell them next time your boss is supposed to be there. That's it.

[bocley]

Who told you life was fair?
you have no grounds for a discrimination suit.
ONLY discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age over 40 and veteran status are illegal.
They can fire you at any time for any other reason.

Now.
Explain to us all exactly WHY in the hell your dumbass lazy PARENTS don't answer these questions for you.