got fired for telling the manager i was harassed by another co worker

[joe4520]

i was employed at this car rental place for one month, intially i applied for the rental agent postion, but when i got to the interview i was told that everyone in the company had to start from scratch -working as a lot boy(clean and wash cars, pick up customers). it was like some company policy.the interviewer actually really wanted me to work in their comapny and even told me i was given a job if i could send a driver abstarct, and a reference to them, and i could start the next week. i was hesitant at first ,but later gave in as i needed a job and work exp. he kind of lied to me too. why didn;t he just tell me the postion i was going to get.i had to bus down there for 45 minutes.

2 wks into working in the job they hired a new guy. the thing with this guy is he'll bully me or call me names.
an example i was backing into a stall in the parking lot -being a tight spot and a big suv next to it, i found it hard to park. well jeff would laugh and point and say omg why didn't you park it in straight wise -omg your a f** idiot
other times he would point out in a big attitude way--- as why i am just sitting around -when i just came back from picking up a customer-i guess he didn;'t now i just came back from picking up a customer
pretty much the guy calls me f** idiot ,omg joey your such a dumb....etc,

i complained to the manager there yesterday , and said i wasn;t going to tolerate it anymore. he told me he didn't care and that i could leave if i didn;t like it. later on when i came back from doing a check out, he said he did care and that he would talk to Jeff about it. lol what changed his mind. he said he misunderstood what i was saying, and the later he said it was b/c he was on the phone. -that i totally doubt. its just his stupid excuse

i asked if i could be transferred to another liocation,since i diddn';t like working with Jeff and he said yes after talking with the other guys.

later on in the day as my 8 hr shift was to finish ,the manager tells me that he had to let me go, since i scratch 2 of the cars previosuly by accident while in the parking lot. also b./c in that day by chance i ate in front of a customer and someone from anotehr business took pics and sended it to the district manager.(this is at another location-but same company) this happened the same day i told the manager i was verbally abused, and that i wasn;t going to tolerate it anymore. oh why didn't he fired me before hand than, and why the day i filed the complaint.

the manager is only 25 years old-total goof and is always joking around and i think he likes to take sides, as jeff has friends who are also friends with the manager-this was by chance that they happen to know each other.

what can i do, or what would you do if your in my situtaion.

[TruE SkiLLS]

so basically, u got into a few problems before (scratching cars and eating)... so i guess its just a better time for him to fire u.

[blainehamilton]

You had screwed up a couple of times on the job. They just took it as an opportunity to fire you since you were being abrasive. It's not your fault, but sometimes the world isn't fair.

It was a month. Unless they are shortchanging you on pay, I would take your money and move on. You could contact HR for the company regarding the abuse, but don't expect any results, especially after you were let go.

One suggestion. Learn how to type. I don't mean to be rude, but lack of Capitalization, punctuation and sentance structure doesn't set a very good example of first impression. If I was a potential employer thinking of giving you a shot, reading this thread would make me think twice...

Car rental places are right in line with most retail lots, they slave the employees and pay is low, work is dirty. My suggestion is to get into the industrial or support sectors, or construction/trades. Harder work, but the benefits are worth it.

As for the abuse, if you would have quit, you could have still applied for EI and indicated this was the reason for leaving. I had the same issue with an employer here in Edmonton, the owner's son was a real drunkard douchebag NAIT dropout who would swear/slam you at every chance. He even tried to pick a fistfight with me when I told him I didn't like what he was doing and to knock it off. It came to the point where I went into the owner's office and told them if he is staying, I'm leaving. I dropped an immediate written notice on the desk with my address and phone attached and told them I was gone. Still qualified for EI due to my recant of the abuse. Didn't matter since I had another job inside of 2 weeks.

[Sash[DSL]]

Here in Ontario you could put a complaint in the Ministry of Labour which would investigate the issue as long as there's some merit to it. That would not likely to get you anything but it would be a pain in the butt for the employer.
As for the guy harrassing you, get yourself a copy of this: http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/thumb/5/5b/TheAnarchistCookbook.png/300px-TheAnarchistCookbook.png

I especially recommend the smokebombs and thermite on the hood of the guy's car. Jokez:twisted:

[ullyeus]

suck it up and try harder your next job.

[matdwyer]

This may not be true but I seem to recall that in your probation period (i.e. first 3 months) that an employer can let you go for no reasons at all. In this case he had 2... (i.e. you scratched the cars, right there if I was a manager you'd be gone (sorry))

[Legend24]

This may not be true but I seem to recall that in your probation period (i.e. first 3 months) that an employer can let you go for no reasons at all. In this case he had 2... (i.e. you scratched the cars, right there if I was a manager you'd be gone (sorry))

This is true. They don't need a reason to let you go if it is within the probationary period.

[MS_Project]

The manager seems really fishy. Did you really scratch the cars? Be honest.

[OS44]

You had screwed up a couple of times on the job. They just took it as an opportunity to fire you since you were being abrasive. It's not your fault, but sometimes the world isn't fair.

It was a month. Unless they are shortchanging you on pay, I would take your money and move on. You could contact HR for the company regarding the abuse, but don't expect any results, especially after you were let go.

One suggestion. Learn how to type. I don't mean to be rude, but lack of Capitalization, punctuation and sentance structure doesn't set a very good example of first impression. If I was a potential employer thinking of giving you a shot, reading this thread would make me think twice...

Car rental places are right in line with most retail lots, they slave the employees and pay is low, work is dirty. My suggestion is to get into the industrial or support sectors, or construction/trades. Harder work, but the benefits are worth it.

As for the abuse, if you would have quit, you could have still applied for EI and indicated this was the reason for leaving. I had the same issue with an employer here in Edmonton, the owner's son was a real drunkard douchebag NAIT dropout who would swear/slam you at every chance. He even tried to pick a fistfight with me when I told him I didn't like what he was doing and to knock it off. It came to the point where I went into the owner's office and told them if he is staying, I'm leaving. I dropped an immediate written notice on the desk with my address and phone attached and told them I was gone. Still qualified for EI due to my recant of the abuse. Didn't matter since I had another job inside of 2 weeks.

so how did you apply for EI using abuse as the reason? does EI need proof of abuse? what if no one comes forward?

[Dustbunny]

Well it's a shame you lost your job, but such is life. I hope you learned something though. As I see it you could have handled this differently.

1) I don't recall any mention of you actually being assertive enough to tell your coworker directly he was being abusive. You have to deal with things directly first if you want to get any respect. Bosses have zero time for people who won't take even the first step to solving interpersonal problems between staff.

2) You gave the boss an "I'm not taking it anymore" when you hadn't tried to solve it first. Give an employer an ultimatum, and you won't like the result especially when dealing with someone so young they may not have the skills/experience to deal with it properly.

I'm betting you complained, employer decided that fine, he would look into to. He asks coworker why he was calling you names and coworker says "well idiot kept scratching cars (or whatever)" to justify the name calling. Bang, grounds to let you go. It doesn't really matter if it was true or not, all the boss knows is he's got a complainer who won't even try to handle things before coming in and throwing it on his lap complete with a threat (I'm not going to take it anymore carries an unspoken threat), but now he also has someone seems to be making enough mistakes to piss his other employee off. If he's had even one complaint about you, who is he going to believe and want to keep around?

Chalk it up as experience and next time if you are in that kind of situation, consider how you can handle it in a positive way that gives everyone an opportunity to fix it before you go giving ultimatums to the boss. When someone is bullying or abusing you, stop it the very first time it happens and if it still persists, keep track and show the boss and ask for help vs backing them into a corner.

Meanwhile, don't bother putting this one on your resume. Let it go and find another job you might like better.

[azn_dan]

see this is one of those situations that when u are asked about in interviews theres a correct way and a wrong way of solving the problem.

The question : How would you deal with a conflict you have with a fellow employee?

The correct answer: You would explain how you would try to talk to the fellow employee and that you guys would resolve the issue(s) without taking it to your supervisor/boss.

I think ratting him out was a bad idea. You could have just told him about how you feel. If that didn't work you could have always asked for a location change, without ratting on him about the abuse. Just my 2cents, but hey you live and learn.

[cheapmeister]

Look for another job. Try and get over what happened to you. The world isn't a fair place and I've seen more than enough to know this fact. If you want to cause them some grief, file a complaint but it probably won't get you anywhere without time+effort since you haven't completed the 3 months. Gov't sucks ****! They take your tax dollars and then they will tell you to look elsewhere. Remember this- working sucks ass!

[BobSaget]

Where I work during the summer - in a car factory - if your co-worker is harassing you, you can always complain to your supervisor or to human resources. They don't frown upon complaints where verbal harassment is involved. Ratting out abusive workers is not uncommon and you won't get fired for doing so if the harassment is real.

[boyoflondon]

hahaha this lovely workplace of yours sounds so much like Discount Car and Truck Rental :cheesygri

[brucemeng]

u have to be a troll... how many threads do u need for a mcdonald's level job... jeez

[demrea]

This is true. They don't need a reason to let you go if it is within the probationary period.

actually, a company never needs a reason to let you go, no matter how long you worked there.

however, they will be required to pay a severance according to the provincial standards.

but a company can let you go at anytime they want. fact is, you can quit at anytime too.

why do people not see employment is a two way street. bring value to a business and they will need you more than you need them. be a leach and do as little as possible and they will be able to replace you quite easy.

[joe4520]

hehe thanks for your advice. i got fired like 2 days ago, anyways if you did read my latest post you will find out.
i don;t really even care, tell you the truth i have a 2 yr business diploma and 1 yr computer tech cert, that what i am really looking to get into-a career job and not just a job.
i just took the lot attendant job b/c they offered it to me, and i couldn;t find a career job yet.
i thought working with all guys in a workplace would be easier, hey i guess not. i guess it really depends who your working with -the indivdual.

[help_questions]

you got screwed, but due to the probationary period, you don't have much recourse. I say you really scratch some cars (you know which cars) and call it even.

[Legend24]

actually, a company never needs a reason to let you go, no matter how long you worked there.

however, they will be required to pay a severance according to the provincial standards.

but a company can let you go at anytime they want. fact is, you can quit at anytime too.

why do people not see employment is a two way street. bring value to a business and they will need you more than you need them. be a leach and do as little as possible and they will be able to replace you quite easy.

Well, legally, they cannot let you go for no reason. Obviously they CAN do it, but it wouldn't be a very smart thing to do. You can sue for wrongful dismissal if they do release you without just cause.

[brownman87]

One suggestion. Learn how to type. I don't mean to be rude, but lack of Capitalization, punctuation and sentance structure doesn't set a very good example of first impression. If I was a potential employer thinking of giving you a shot, reading this thread would make me think twice...


the op obviously knows that to he should write in good english to be even given a chance at employment.
but this is RDF for godsakes, who gives if you write like this, havent you heard of msn slangs or wutnot. ... i guess sumppl like to proofread their work.

Anyways, to the OP... i wud be pretty pissed off too, i think i would make a complaint to Canadian Labour unions or w.e they are , i suggest you research them and file for unlawful dismissal, and mention "jeff" and how the manager did not take account of it.
he made systemic discrimination on you, (he did it indirectly), even if you dont win, the manager will be in hot water for what he has done to you and will think twice before messing with you or other people. if you manage to do this, im sure jeff would be fired eventually too as the manager will take his anger out on him next as he is the cause of the inquiry.:twisted:

[Sprite_TM]

bring a voice recorder in next time and record all the BS he says to you

[monty613]

let this be a lesson in "office politics" for you - it's not what you know, it's who you know

[ChrisBa]

lol goooo trolls

[teufel-man]

bring a voice recorder in next time and record all the BS he says to you

You have to be a huge dork to record someone calling you a '****ing idiot'

what is this grade 3 or something?

Be a man!

[joe4520]

well there goes discount rent a car for you.

[ullyeus]

hehe thanks for your advice. i got fired like 2 days ago, anyways if you did read my latest post you will find out.
i don;t really even care, tell you the truth i have a 2 yr business diploma and 1 yr computer tech cert, that what i am really looking to get into-a career job and not just a job.
i just took the lot attendant job b/c they offered it to me, and i couldn;t find a career job yet.
i thought working with all guys in a workplace would be easier, hey i guess not. i guess it really depends who your working with -the indivdual.

If you can't hack it at an entry level car washing position...I am not too confident you will excel in the world of business.

[Pete Jones]

Well, legally, they cannot let you go for no reason. Obviously they CAN do it, but it wouldn't be a very smart thing to do. You can sue for wrongful dismissal if they do release you without just cause.

Where did you get this idea from?

In Ontario, as long as they are given appropriate notice (or payment in lieu), an employee can be let go for any reason whatsoever. As long as the minimum provisions in the Ontario labour standards legislation are met, and that the settlement follows any provisions set out in an employment or union contract, the dismissal can occur without any fear of repercussion.

But further to the OP, assuming this is taking place in Ontario, an employee can be let go during the probationary period without reason or notice.

--Pete

[twistedmuse]

You were still in your ninety day probationary period. Your manager didn't need a reason to fire you at all if he chose.

[Tical]

This thread is too highschool for me.

[subaru08]

If you can't hack it at an entry level car washing position...I am not too confident you will excel in the world of business.

I have to say I disagree respectfully. One incidence should not be considered a criteria for judgement specially for a starter. OP, that place was just not for you. I think you should try to move on ASAP for your best and try not to repeat same mistakes. You were not strong enough to survive there so do not repent in trying to undo things.

[help_questions]

Where did you get this idea from?

In Ontario, as long as they are given appropriate notice (or payment in lieu), an employee can be let go for any reason whatsoever. As long as the minimum provisions in the Ontario labour standards legislation are met, and that the settlement follows any provisions set out in an employment or union contract, the dismissal can occur without any fear of repercussion.

But further to the OP, assuming this is taking place in Ontario, an employee can be let go during the probationary period without reason or notice.

--Pete


in ontario, you can take your employer to court saying you did not get proper notice. in court, your lawyer will have to argue that the ESA only outlines the minimum notice, and that this plaintiff is entitled to more notice. from there, it is a matter for the judge to decide, or for the parties to settle.

in the OP's case, there is nothing to do b/c he was fired within the probationary period.

To the OP..
perhaps you can try and get the manager fired for being a lousy boss. some allegations against him could cost him his job, or stunt his career potential in the company. just a thought

[MoreMiles]

My lawyer made sure the employment contracts specify ONLY the minimum standards for ESA will be applied. The employee has no right for common law entitlement. It is a condition of employment for me to hire an employee.

I can tell you most big companies have labour lawyers drafting their contracts to eliminate nonsense posted here.... like "guaranteed job for life" "cannot be terminated unless there is a just cause".

If you are the boss, you have that freedom to let anyone go as you wish. If you don't like it, then be your boss and hire others to work for you.

[jcoltage]

Man this is hilarious ...

It better he fired you cause it seemed like the job was not slotted for you since you have very little common sense - yes scratching the cars is and accident but eating in front of store or on the floor is very wrong. But not getting alone with your co-workers is the true reason I would fire you - Office Politics is everywhere so get use to it and make friends in high places.

[ullyeus]

I have to say I disagree respectfully. One incidence should not be considered a criteria for judgement specially for a starter. OP, that place was just not for you. I think you should try to move on ASAP for your best and try not to repeat same mistakes. You were not strong enough to survive there so do not repent in trying to undo things.

It wasn't the incident so much but the fact that the OP seems hyper defensive and blames everyone but himself. Everyone loses a job once in awhile, sometimes for good or bad reasons but they learn from it, improve and move on.

I have not seem that from the OP.

[Pete Jones]

in ontario, you can take your employer to court saying you did not get proper notice. in court, your lawyer will have to argue that the ESA only outlines the minimum notice, and that this plaintiff is entitled to more notice. from there, it is a matter for the judge to decide, or for the parties to settle.

in the OP's case, there is nothing to do b/c he was fired within the probationary period.

So we agree. My rebuttal was to a poster who said they can't let you go without a reason. The fact is, a reason indicates "just cause." Without just cause, an employer needs to provide notice.

The notice period beyond the ESA minimum is based on a funky "magic formula" which encompasses lots of factors include the employee's age, experience, dependents, time on the job, difficulty in finding a job, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Then there's the whole concept of mitigation.

But to take it back to the OP. Even if he worked one day past the probationary period, the employer could have cut him a cheque for two weeks pa, told him to kiss off and his hands would be clean.

In short, the OP should just chalk it up to experience, learn from it, and move on.

--Pete