TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: FWD: An ugly job incident (long) From:Svi Ben-Elya <svi -at- ELIASHIM -dot- CO -dot- IL> Date:Tue, 20 Oct 1998 16:23:36 +0200
-----Original Message-----
From: Svi Ben-Elya <svi -at- eliashim -dot- co -dot- il>
To: Eric J. Ray <ejray -at- RAYCOMM -dot- COM>
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 1998 15:19
Subject: Re: FWD: An ugly job incident (long)
>
>
>>Questions:
>>
>>Do you think I was wrong to throw away notes and old edited documents?
>
>Under the circumstances, I don't think it was wise. Since you expected to
be
>laid off, you should have first suggested that you sort through drafts and
>delete old material to reduce the chance of using the wrong files. Also,
>they may have asked you to do that between the time you receive your
>dismissal notice and your last day of work.
>
>>Have any of you had something similar happen, like being accused of
>>stealing?
>>Do you think I have legal recourse if I don't receive my severance?
>
>You should consult a lawyer. The charge is extremely serious, with
>ramifications that exceed the amount of your severance pay. I think you
will
>have trouble finding a job anywhere in your area if you are tainted with
the
>accusation of having stolen and/or malisciously damaged company files.
>
>>Is this a clear case of defamation of character?
>
>
>Check with a lawyer. A good lawyer may be able to help you diffuse the
>situation if your employer does not actually believe that you stole or
acted
>malisciously. Remember, you want to find work with another employer and
>forget this one as soon as possible. Under the circumstances, you cannot
>expect to use this employer as a reference. However, if you can convince
>your employer of your innocence AND end the situation as a case of a
>misunderstanding with no threat of legal retaliation, you may be able to
>minimize the damage.
>
>Good Luck.
>>
>>
>