Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Arizona

Former Employee Meeting with Current Employees

One work unit of 5 people tried to have my boss fired last year and went to HR to make complaints regarding attendance, temper and other things. Several more people were interviewed. They came to me as her assitant to warn her of the impending action. The attempt failed, the manager of the people involved resigned. Several members of the attempted ''coup'' remain. They meet with this former employee offsite at least once a month. Is there anything my employer can do to prevent interference from this former employee? He is very disgruntled, and was critical and defamed her many times in the past four years I have been here. I suspect that he is trying to rekindle the case, even though we have tried to put the disruption to our workplace behind us. He had no access to her calendar but would tell our customers and associates she was not at work when she was meeting offsite with others. He hurt her reputation. We are a government agency and he works for a non-profit we fund - he spreads gossip about her at events and meetins. Is there anything we can do? What about the remaining employees who meet with him during lunch? Since he is a disgruntled former employee can we do anything about that? Thank you for your help.


Asked on 8/26/04, 5:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark S. Moroknek Kelly & Curtis, PLLC.

Re: Former Employee Meeting with Current Employees

I do not practice in Arizona, so this is very, very general. Speak to your boss about discussing the remarks with a local attorney and suing the ex-employee for defamation, or tortious interference with contract (of employment).

I would have suggested that the EEOC be involved, but the person is no employed by the company. You can't harass other employees only because they remain friendly with an ex-employee.

But, if your boss is still in danger of losing her job due to the discrimination of this person or people, go ahead and report the matter to the EEOC or a local US Attorney General's Office.

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Answered on 8/26/04, 6:02 pm


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