Hello,

I was recently fired. Shortly afterward, my employer announced to the entire company (small company) that I was terminated and why. In the four years I had worked there, they made it a practice to never tell anyone why an employee was terminated but for some reason they did in my case. Was this legal for them to do?

Also, I am currently job hunting and concerned about getting a bad reference from my former employer. Again, during the four years I worked there, their policy/practice was to only confirm the dates of employment and position held when contacted for a reference about a former employer. Would it be illegal for them to change this practice when responding to a reference request for me?

Thanks so much for your help!

Yes, it is legal to tell others why you were fired. Your employer may state anything that is true or they believe to be true. This applies to references as well.

Well that sucks...but thanks for your reply!

spleen

Hello,

I've done some research and found the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act 397 of 1978. If I understand it correctly, my former employer cannot release any information about disciplinary acts to a third party without giving me written notice. Well, in addition to telling employees of their company, they also told some employees of another company and I never received written notice of this.

So, should they have given me written notice before telling the other company and should they give me written notice before telling anyone calling for a reference (unless I waive it on an employment application)?

Thanks for your help!

This law would not apply to internal notifications of why you are no longer working there.

Your employer may still disclose more than just your title, salary and dates.