Fired for no clear or given reason?

Amelia

About two months ago, I ecstatically accepted a new job with a catering business. I loved it and worked extra hard to make sure that I kept it. However, I only worked twice. After that, I received a phone call from my boss, apparently upset and confused about the fact that I am also on a (very, very small) unemployment insurance extension. He didn't quite seem to understand the process, and I had to call the unemployment insurance department for my state and ask all kinds of questions to clear the situation up for my boss. He seemed to understand, but he never called me in for work again.

For a month I messaged him in all the ways that I knew, and none were responded to. Just today, I finally sent a message expressing quite simply my frustration at being ignored. He finally responded, after a whole month, with a vague message: "We're taking things in another direction." That's it! I don't even know if I have been fired of laid-off, and he won't even specify that for me! He is ignoring me again.

I wonder if he is worried about the IRS checking out if he was paying my income tax.

What is the best course of action when one feels that they have been fired to cover up bad business practices? I just can't see any other reason as to why he would fire me. I feel as if something illegal has happened to me, but I don't know how to approach dealing with it.

Jeffrey

Not that I know much about this but when I have been employed I read a paper where it was from the IRS I guess and I reported how much I wanted them to withhold from my check. Did you have a paper to sign when you were hired? Do you remember?

I do not understand the part about the unemployment insurance. I would recommend talking with him/her before getting too angry but it seems like he/she is avoiding your attempts at communication. I had that in my experience with my caseworker at one time with my states employment rehabilitation center. I think the thing to do is to put something in writing. At least that is what I wish I had done. My caseworker responded immediately when I said I had taken a volunteer job. Not personally to me But said that my case was being closed because I had ceased seeking employment. I would tend to doubt that your boss has not noticed your communication particularly if you have tried several times.

compassionate_warrior

It does tend to be true that when you put something in writing and mail it (old fashioned paper & snail-mail) it gets people's attention, because they know that now a paper trail is being initiated, and paper trails mean someone may be preparing to take legal action. So the boss can't ignore it.

Also, call the American Civil Liberties Union (if you're in the US) and ask them what they make of the incident. If your boss hasn't officially fired you, you can't apply for more unemployment insurance, so it's important to get a letter of termination if, in fact, the intent is to terminate your employment. Was this an hourly job, where you were an independnt contractor, or a regular staff job? When you say you weren't called in to work again, it makes it sound like it was an on-demand job, not a regular 9 to 5. People at regular wage jobs don't wait to be called in, they just show up every day, so I'm unclear as to what your situation was, exactly. If someone is an independent contractor, the boss doesn't pay any taxes or benefits for the employee. (Sorry you lost a job you loved. )

vinlyn

Did you have a contract? Did it state that within the first X weeks that you could be fired without giving a reason?

SherabDorje

Many states have what is called an "at-will" employment arrangement, which means that both parties agree that employment is "at-will" and the employee can be terminated without a reason being given. Especially if this was a call-in type position, the fact that they didn't call you just means that they didn't call you, and the employer's rationale about "going in a different direction" would satisfy any legal requirement for not calling you.

I know you probably feel hurt in some way about this, but is such unpredictable nonscheduled employment really worth stressing over, especially since you were still having to supplement with unemployment payments?

What happened is probably legal and just does not seem to be worth stressing over.

Amelia

Thank you, everyone, for your advice.

My boss finally called me after I sent a very lengthy and upset email. He admitted that he had been irresponsible in not calling me sooner, or explaining just what my employment was. Apparently, I am an independent contractor, and did not need to report this job to unemployment. He said that some things had suddenly changed around the business, and that they were now getting most of their employees from a staffing company. He let me know that my persistence was admirable, and as such, he will keep me in mind if he needs extra help. I really don't understand why it took him a month to tell me this!

Did you have a paper to sign when you were hired?

No, when I was hired, I wasn't given any start-out paper work. I was just sent straight to work.

Many states have what is called an "at-will" employment arrangement, which means that both parties agree that employment is "at-will" and the employee can be terminated without a reason being given. Especially if this was a call-in type position, the fact that they didn't call you just means that they didn't call you, and the employer's rationale about "going in a different direction" would satisfy any legal requirement for not calling you.

I know you probably feel hurt in some way about this, but is such unpredictable nonscheduled employment really worth stressing over, especially since you were still having to supplement with unemployment payments?

When I took the position, I was under the impression that I was taking a regular weekend job. Though it was an "at-will" situation, I was never confirmed of this until today.

In my current position, any amount of work is worth stressing over. My family faces eviction every month because of back rent due, and I have been having trouble finding regular employment for about a year and half now. I have been doing odd jobs, usually under the table, for a few businesses, but it really isn't enough to make a living off of. More like gas money! This particular job that I have been having trouble with had me under the impression that I would be a regular part-time employee when they interviewed me. After that point, everything was vague.

The unemployment insurance is a very small weekly amount that comes from a previous employer from nearly two years ago. It is something that I will continue to receive until the government says I am no longer eligible. I don't have many choices in that matter and just continue to fill out the required paperwork until it stops coming to me.

compassionate_warrior

It sounds like your boss felt awkward about the situation (though it's his job to deal with laying people off in a professional manner) and/or was busy implementing the changes he spoke of.

So sorry to hear of your situation. Take this as a learning experience. Next time someone tells you you're hired, ask for a contract or other document. Ask what the terms of employment are, and get it in writing.

But it does sound like, in the end, your boss respects you for your persistence. Maybe that will pay off eventually. Best of luck. _/\_

Amelia

I was very surprised by his apologetic manner. I am not used to this from bosses in the past, and it's nice for once.

You're right, I will have to ask about the terms before hand.

Speaking of which, I am about to turn in an application for a janitor job at a church nearby, and it seems professional enough... however... so did my most recent fiasco... I will be sure to ask!

The fact that I never had to fill out any documents for this catering company-- such as emergency contacts-- beforehand should have been a bit of a warning sign.

I am very surprised at how I managed to turn the tables, all in all, and I hope to do at least a couple of events in the future.

Thanks, everyone. Gassho

compassionate_warrior

Good for you for standing up for yourself!

Amelia

Thanks!