Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Defamation

An employee give an employer a week

and a half notice that he/she have

found another job an will be leave the

company.

Several SVPs which includes his/her

manager, several VPs, and AVPs

persuade the employee to change the

last day to be three days sooner.

Two days after the employee left the

company, the manager contact the

former employee's new job.

The former manager informs the new

manager that the employee left the job

early when they needed the employee to

stay til the end of the month (three

weeks). Also, the employee is a trouble

maker and not a team player.

The manager also mentioned that the

employee had burn his/her bridges with

the company.

The new manager is disappointed with

the employee, who has not even started

his/her new job.

Is it legal for an former manager to

contact the manger of the employee's

new job and say the things mentioned

above? What can the employee do?

There is a possibility that he/she may

not have a job when he/she goes in on

his/her first day at the job.


Asked on 8/18/06, 8:51 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Defamation

If it was unsolicited and adversely impacts the new employee's job, he or she might have a claim for intentional interference with either contract or prospective economic advantage and libel (for the untruths). Here's hoping for the best!

Read more
Answered on 8/28/06, 9:29 pm
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: Defamation

In California, we have an anti-blackballing law that is designed to prevent the actions that apparently have taken place. If this person loses their job as a result of the vengeful manager's actions, he/she should seek legal advice to determine their available remedies.

Read more
Answered on 8/29/06, 12:34 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Defamation

If false statements can be proven, there is defamation. If the employer's call was unsolicited, then there is interference with contract, etc. If you can show financial damage, by not being hired because of it, then you have a claim to pursue. If that happens, feel free to contact me. You might also consider 'educating' the employer through a lawyer's letter that demands they cease, to prevent further and future damage.

Read more
Answered on 8/29/06, 2:39 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in California