Wrongful termination in VA?

[northface]

I believe it is possible I have been wrongfully terminated from a supervisory position I have held for 8 years. The job I was in was very stressful and demanding at times when we were busy. During down time it was not uncommon to laugh and joke around with each other or even share a few good natured jabs. I was approached by an employee who asked me to stop joking around with him because he did not want to work like that anymore. I said ok. Keep in mind this is a relatively new employee with performance issues that I had to remind many times that the workplace was not for his non work related study time, personal phone calls or using the internet to look at personal adds.

The next day he wrote a letter to HR and my superiors stating that I hit him (on the back the way many men greet each other). I have personally been greeted the same way by my superiors. And also several incidents of name calling etc. See above referenced joking around. As a result of this letter I was informed by HR to report to another duty station until she had time to investigate. This phone call was 3 days after the alleged letter was written. After my first day of work at my alternate duty station I received another call from HR stating the investigation was complete and would be finalized by telling everyone that joking around in such a manner would no longer be tolerated. I was to finish out the week at my alternate duty station and return to work the next week.

On the last day of that week I received another call from HR stating the corporate office had become involved with the investigation and was not to report to work until notified. A whole week went by before I was notified. I had to go into work and fill out a questionaire about "specific incidents". Admittedly the perception of the events sounded bad on paper but once they were explained they seemed more normal for our work environment.

Another whole week went by and I was terminated with no explanation. I was never shown the letter and I was given no chance to rebut anything that was said. In my time as a supervisor with the company I was highly regarded and hand picked for many special assignments. In 8 years I have never received a review or any recurrent training in such matters. Technically, the employee making the complaint was not in my department and I had no bearing on his jod duties, discipline, promotions or pay.

Wrongful termination? Any reply would be greatly appreciated.

[wwy]

no. sorry.
The company does not want "joking around." you are a supervisor. you were made an example of.
You have to be VERY careful about joking with people. What is not offensive to one can be offensive to another. When you are a supervisor you have to be ESPECAILLY careful. People don't feel comfortable telling a supervisor they don't like what was said, they don't even feel comfortable telling YOUR supervisor about it. Also, as a supervisor, if you "joke" then other employees follow suit, and their idea of what is "offensive" may be even more loose than yours. So you are held to higher standards than others.
I've seen "joking around" get way out of hand. If no lines are drawn, it escalates.

[wwy]

I can't sleep. I'm just sitting here reading waiting to get tired. give me a bit to run through a couple lists. I'll PM them to you.