Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts

I may be wrongfully terminated for hearsay/defamation in the office.

I was recently accused of using vulgar language in front of a potential candidate at work. Of course, this accusation was false. The VP and supervisor threatened to terminate me if it happened once more. I tried to explain that I was innocent, but they refused to believe me. They also refused to reveal the accuser. As far as I know, there were no witnesses, other than the accuser, and not one candidate has reported anyone using foul language. Now I am in fear of losing my job because I am uncertain as to whether the accuser will do this to me again. If I am terminated as a result of another wrongful accusation, could I perhaps have a case?


Asked on 6/27/01, 11:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
William McLeod McLeod Law Offices, PC

Re: I may be wrongfully terminated for hearsay/defamation in the office.

I don't think so - based on your facts. As an at will employee, you can fired at any time for any reason or no reason at all. To have a case, you must demonstrate that the conduct is discriminatory (race, religion, etc.) or violates a public policy (which would require a fairly detailed explanation) - and your facts to not fit into either category. For now, it might be a good idea to document your conversations, in case you need to establish what you said.

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Answered on 6/29/01, 6:49 pm


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