Downsized and treated differently - what can I do?
On Friday Oct.6th I was terminated from my job of 3 1/2 years. Down-sizing was the reason given for my termination. The regional manager called all employees (4) together and told us the office would be closing but everyone still had a job at another location. When she took us into her office
individually to speak with me I was told that I no longer had a job because there was not a position open for me.
The other three employees were moved to two other locations. I was given no advanced notice. By 10:00 a.m. I was unemployed effectively immediately. Do I have grounds to take action against this corporation?
Answers (1)
If your employer had only 4 employees, it is unlikely you have any recourse. Georgia is an "at will" employment state and you have few rights to continued employment, unless there is a union. Most federal statutes cover only employers of 15 people or more. If you feel you were discriminated against because of your race, you may have a claim under a federal law called section 1981, for example, if the people given other positions are white and you are black.
Since you say that the 3 employees were given jobs in other location, I wonder whether the company has more employees in another area? If they total 15 or more, you may have some claims.
Without knowing more information, I cannot advise you on your specific situation. Please call my paralegal at 706-353-7272 and she will get all the information we need to give you advice.
You should go ahead and file for unemployment compensation, which will provide you with some income while you look for a new job.
I am sorry that you lost your job. Please feel free to call us for more information.
Janet E. Hill
Nelson, Hill, Lord & Beasley, LLP
posted by Janet E. Hill | Feb 20, 2001 4:03 PM [EST]
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