Legal Question in Employment Law in California
Unauthorized questioning former employer
I heard today that the former Dir. of Personnel contacted my former employer, and, somehow, spoke to someone who provided information as to why I quit/was released from my former job. The former Director called a current employee at my present workplace and told her the info. (they are friends). The current employee then began to spread gossip around the office as to what the former Director said. I did nothing illegal, was not arrested, no DUI, nothing like that... just gossip. By the end of the day, the entire office was involved in gossip about me!! I believe I have a case of discrimination here, but I need to know the facts. Please advise.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Unauthorized questioning former employer
You are right, you need to know the facts and so would your attorney. Rumours are one thing but actual evidence is another. If, your understanding is true, and this former Dir. of Personnel has been spreading confidential information about you, without your authorization, he/she has violated your right to privacy. Whether legal action is justified depends on how you have been harmed. Sometimes, a letter from a lawyer is the proper method of handling these situations.
Once you know more, you should discuss this matter in more detail with a local lawyer.
Re: Unauthorized questioning former employer
Your situation sounds very stressful - high school gossip never ends. To advise is this matter is "discrimination" as you put it, or violation of your privacy or even defamation, I would need to know what was said about you, why your current employer even called your previous employer and what was the reason you left and/or was asked to leave your last employer. I am sorry, but I can't assist you without this information. Please note, anything you will tell me or any other attorney is confidential.
If you would like further assistance in assessing this very stressful matter, please contact my office or any other attorney in your area.
Best of luck, Beth Mora
Re: Unauthorized questioning former employer
Discrimination? No. Invasion of privacy? Probably. IF you can prove confidential information, like medical, psych, financial, disability, was improperly disclosed, and who did it, and that you were injured by it, then you may have a cause of action. Feel free to contact me if interested in pursuing.