I have a friend (Kate) that was Terminated recently (Monday January 26th 2009) b/c of false accusations made by her old manager (Eve). The reason for her termination was harassment.

Some background information....
Kate had worked at a Beauty Supply in Pennsylvania. Eve was her manager. Kate transferred to another location b/c of her manager. With whom is vindictive & unprofessional. When Kate transferred Eve had told the manager at the NEW (location) not to hire her. Trying to destroy her chances of being hired.

The story
....
Kate had gone to her old job site & harassed the Manager Eve. Kate had apparently threatened & made obscene comments. Which the story about the incident has changed many times over. Anyway, Eve called the regional manager created a story to get Kate fired. The regional manager then called Kate's store & directed her manager to terminate her. (Eve has changed the story of what happened upon every telling of the story.) This is the second attempt to get Kate fired. She was successful. (the employer). made it perfectly clear that they have no interest in finding the truth.

The truth
....
Kate & our two friends went to that (location) b/c of the close distance. She had her one friend go into the store to purchase the items. Kate knew that the manager didn't like her so she didn't want to go in & cause any problems. Kate & her friend stayed out in the car. They never entered the store. She has two witnesses that she never left the car. There are no cameras in the store to prove either party's case. Kate is now being harassed by associates of Eve that have no involvement.


PLEASE HELP! There has to be something that can be done. She wont get unemployment & with the economy the way it is this is a very serious problem. She worked there for 2 years & now cannot use that on future applications.

I have removed all references to the specific employer and location.

If the employer chooses to believe Eve and not Kate, they are entitled to do so. Kate is free to speak to an attorney about any cause of action she may have against Eve (the burden of proof is entirely Kate's) but she has no cause of action against the employer. Unless she has a bona fide contract of employment for a specific period of time, she can be let go at any time and for any reason not specifically prohibited by law. FYI, a wrongful termination does not mean you were termed for something you didn't do; it means you were termed for a reason prohibited by law.

Kate is free to apply for unemployment. I don't know why you are so convinced she will not get it - the employer will have to show PROOF of misconduct if they choose to contest. I do not advise that she leave this employer off her applications - a gap of two years that she cannot account for will raise far more red flags than will including it, with an explanation of what happened.