Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Unjust Layoff

My daughter is 18 years old, works at a Coldstone Creamery that was taken over by Kahala a few monthsa ago.

She's been an excellent worker bringing the same work ethic that won her 4 scholarships to college from her civic volunteering. She doesn't sit around, go for food at other places on the clock, or never show for work. She was told she was going to be promoted to shift leader.

She questioned why another 18 year old was being rude to her at work, asking if she had done something wrong - she has never been written up. This other girl is very friendly with the manager who is in her 30s. About 5 weeks ago she started getting few hours. She has requested a meeting in writing 3 times to the manager, and 4 times by phone. The manager simply hasn't made time to talk with her.

She got a call today from the manager telling her to look for another job, that they are ''downsizing''.

Is there any recourse from here? She is an excellent worker, doesn't steal (as she has seen others do), doesn't waste time, fills in whereever needed, etc.

Thanks,

A concerned MOM who doesn't want this to affect her too adversely from the unfairness of it all.


Asked on 10/22/08, 5:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jill Pugh Law Office of D. Jill Pugh

Re: Unjust Layoff

How very frustrating for you!! Unless the other employee has some sort of sexual relationship with the manager that is causing the preferential treatment, I am afraid your daughter does not have a lot of options. However, if she is working around 20 hours per week, she would be eligible for unemployment.

As a practical matter, to make sure this decision was accurately communicated all the way to the top, your daughter could write a letter requesting the written reasons for her job separation as there is a Washington law that entitles all employees to receive that upon request.

Not exactly what you wanted to hear, but I hope it helps.

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Answered on 10/22/08, 5:18 pm


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