Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts

fired under false pretences

I was a contract worker for an agency. In dismissing me from a particular project, the agency stated (in a letter to me and the client) a falsehood, i.e. that I had problems with the client's employees, that my work was inferior, and that the client was in accord with my dismissal. The manager of the client organization has written a letter refuting the agency's statement, claiming that my performance proved just the opposite and that they, the client, in no way concurred on my dismissal nor could they have done so as I was not employed by the client but by the agency (this relationship was indicated in the project's contract at the outset!) This letter was received by me, my onsite supervisor (from the agency), the project manager, and the angency's local manager. Do I have any legal redress? I see the issues as the agency's misrepresentation of the contractual information and the creation of what I would term 'character assasination.' I would appreciate any advice.


Asked on 11/26/02, 11:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: fired under false pretences

You did not state whether the agency fired you from future contracts as well.

In any event, your employer has a limited privilege to provide information about your performance. There is no slander if information is only shared with supervisors and others with a "need to know". However, the privilege does not protect lyng. So you may have a claim for slander/libel.

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Answered on 11/26/02, 7:31 pm


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