[FL] What steps can I take to ensure I am not wrongfully terminated from a job?
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With HR, if you cannot trust them, you could skip over them and go directly to the EEOC. If you do want to approach HR, take someone with you, and always follow up with emails to create a paper trail.
With the EEOC, they may offer mediation or issue you a “right to sue” letter. If you're terminated or harmed in your employment, they can assist in obtaining compensation.
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Employment lawyer.
I understand you're looking to speak with an employment lawyer. Can you please tell me what specific issue or question you need assistance with?
Issues in the workplace.
Are you currently employed, or is this related to a past employment situation?
Currently employed.
Is there anything else the employment lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they'll be able to help with workplace issues.
Yes.
Hi there! My name is Liz and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. So I can best help, in what state do you work?
Florida.
Thank you for sharing that! What type of issues are you dealing with?
What steps can I take to ensure I am not wrongly let go from a job? Is there a law or application that can protect me from that?
Can I ask, how many employees do they have?
A little over 300, I’m guessing.
Wonderful. Do you believe you are being targeted due to your age, race, gender, disability, ethnicity, or something like that?
Targeted, yes, but not for the reasons listed. My case feels like I may be being set up for a downfall and let go once I can’t manage the workload.
Do you know why you are being set up to fail? In Florida, employment is considered “at-will,” and an employer can terminate for any reason unless it breaches a contract or is based on a protected characteristic like the ones I mentioned.
I have a grumpy supervisor that may have taken offense when I called out an issue and wrongdoing within our system. I feel she may want to find a way to get rid of me for whistleblowing. I don’t know if HR can be trusted.
For example, I pointed out that the schedule I create for the service techs should have been accomplished within the timeframe. I highlighted one tech who is not performing well, and she was visibly angry that I pointed that out. It’s obvious she protects his poor performance. I also know she is supplying construction material to this tech even though our company doesn’t sell to the public—only to builders. I haven’t called that part out, but I am aware it’s happening.
Is there a reason she protects that person? With job protection, if you're fired for pointing out genuine issues, it can be seen as retaliatory.
Yes, she does exhibit those behaviors. I’ve seen a friend move departments due to bad treatment from this supervisor. She covers for her favorites just due to a long-standing friendship and work history. I am the odd one out in the group.
With HR, if you cannot trust them, you could skip over them and go directly to the EEOC. If you do want to approach HR, take someone with you, and always follow up with emails to create a paper trail.
With the EEOC, they may offer mediation or issue you a “right to sue” letter. If you're terminated or harmed in your employment, they can assist in obtaining compensation.
No protocol or protection with HR?
Protection through HR would typically come under retaliation protection via EEO laws. Your company should also have written HR procedures, which might form part of an implied contract.
Okay, thank you. This is very helpful.
