If I get fired from my job & I'm vested do I lose my retirement?

[fitche]

I was told by my union rep that if I get fired that under the florida "just cause" labor law I will lose my retirement, I have been there long enough to be vested by the company.

[aingeni]

Florida is an at will state there is no such thing as just cause labor law, it all depends if it company funded, union funded or self funded, but usually in this state yes you would lose it, if you have only been there a few years the amount would be negligible

[gabrielo19]

If you are a public employee and are fired for misconduct then you can lose half of your pension (the half that is funded by taxes).

I've never heard of this happening in the private sector. It seems to me that the union rep should be asking to see a copy of the tape which shows you texting.

I'd suggest that you make an appointment with an employment attorney who represents employees. Most attorneys don't charge for an initial consultation, but be sure to check when you call for an appointment just to be sure.

[banys]

"They said the tape shows...." Did they ever show you that tape? If not, it's hearsay. Hearsay doesn't stand up in court.

Get a labor lawyer. He'll probably subpoena your company for that tape. YOu already have physical, not hearsay, proof you didn't text on company time - your phone co. records. Nice!

If your company cannot, or refuses to produce that tape, shame on them, because you could sue them on Defamation of Character/Slander, False Accusation charges. They'd also have to prove that whoever's on that tape is you - and not someone they asked to pretend it's you texting, in order to cover their a--. Plus the date on that so-called tape better jive with the date they accuse you of texting.

If this goes to court, Defense attorney (their attorney) will try to tear you down, making you look as though you texted. Keep your composure, don't get angry, or upset. You know you didn't text. Stick to that attitude.

'm not a lawyer; but I've seen enough in courtrooms.

Good luck

[bronsin]

I'm pretty sure that can't happen. Was it something that you and the company put money into? If so they may be able to retake what money they put in, but any money you put in should be safe.

[edmondo93]

I have never heard of an employee losing their pension/retirement plan.
Is there something more to the situation? employee theft?