Terminated and Defamed
The plant that I had worked for for 29+ years was in serious trouble. I went to the Personnel Manager. I expressed my concerns about the current Plant Managers' ethics and abilities. I gave examples and expressed a desire to speak with someone at corporate. Two weeks later I was terminated for insubordination and belligerance. (I never got to speak with anyone from corporate.) Shortly after this a team of consultants were brought in and this Plant Manager was fired.
Recently, I ran into a person from the plant and he related that the new Plant Manager told him that I was let go because I threatened people and became violent.
Interview questions about why I left employment after 29 yrs are tough to answer.
Do I have grounds for a lawsuit?
Answers (1)
Ohio law does not expressly protect employees who complain about management's abilities. Depending on the nature of the ethical issue, however,Ohio law may give you some measure of protection from retaliation for registering ethical issues, depending on the nature of the ethical issue.
As for defamation, you may have a claim if you can prove that you were not "insubordinate" or "belligerent." If you can further prove that you have been denied new employment because of a false reference, you may be able to show money damage as a result.
At bottom, this kind of case is more factually intensive than most. In order to properly evaluate your claim we would need to meet and discuss the specifics of your complaint to the company and whatever support the company might have for its claims of behavior on your part. We offer an initial consultation for a fee of $200 for this purpose. If you are interested, call Cheryl at 330.665.5445 and she can get you on my calendar.
Regards,
Neil.
posted by Neil Klingshirn | Oct 17, 2002 11:15 AM [EST]
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Neil Klingshirn
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