Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Employer giving poor references

I was employed as a photographer by a small business owner. I questioned my employer’s ability to refuse two 15 minute breaks as well as his pricing scheme. He was not happy with this (amongst other personality conflicts we had). To make a long story short, I decided that I did not want to continue employment with this company and I gave him ample notice (around 1 month) of my termination. He refused my notice and terminated me on the spot.

Now, a friend wants me to do work at her place of business and she called this employer for a reference check. The employer said that I did not work well with some of his clients, that I did sub-par work, and that I was terminated. The reference was all negative. This employer never initiated documented (to my knowledge) counceling with me, and my work was professional to the point were he let me work independently without his guidance. My friend documented everything that my past employer said.

I am concerned that his actions may have caused loss of employment opportunities in the past and may affect future employment. What can be done?

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