Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland
Current Boss CALLS New Boss?
Worked with a company since 02/03, and began seeking more stable employment (company is selling off many assets lately) recently. I kept this information from current employer for obvious reasons.
When I accepted a new job, my current boss asked where I'd be working, why I was leaving, made a counter offer, etc. That information was passed on to HER boss, who did not take my leaving the company very well. She actually CALLED my new boss, discussed moving my start date with them to fit my current company's needs, and God only knows what else?!
Isn't there some sort of law against that? I see no reason, not to mention it's against common courtesy, to do that. They could've asked me to push the date back.
I am worried that she could affect my future employment now!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Current Boss CALLS New Boss?
It might be illegal. It could be an invasion of privacy, or even intentional interference with business opportunities, depending on what was said.
There's no need to worry about the legalities here, though, because you are not going to sue and do not want to start threatening everyone.
Rather, the question is how best to handle the matter so everyone stays calm and your situation is not negatively impacted?
First, call the new boss and make sure that everything is okay. Let him/her know you have not changed your plans and did not authorize the call from the old boss. If everything is cool there, then I don't think you should do anything else at all. No good can come from confronting the old boss even though she was wrong. She has shown that she can't be trusted to act appropriately, so who knows how bad it could get?
However, if there is a problem now with the new boss, then you do have to confront the matter. Your decision will depend on the type of problem. If it is one that can be worked out by compromise, try to do that. In any case, stay calm and logical and on the high road. Do not do anything that would impact either the new job or the way the "old" people think of you. No matter how mad you might be, it is not worth attacking the old boss if it messes things up for you.
If, worst case, the old boss is actually interfering with your new job, then you can demand, in a diplomatic but firm way, that she cease and desist or risk legal action.
Keep in mind that any confrontation with the old boss can lead to your being discharged before you want to leave. So that's another reason to avoid further problems if at all possible.
It does not sound as if you need a lawyer, but feel free to call if you believe you do at some point.
Good luck.
Jeff Sheldon
Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire
The Sheldon Law Firm
6932 Mayfair Road
Laurel, MD 20707
301.604.2497
fax: 301.776.3954
http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com
Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.
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