Fired.

[Tiberius Jim]

Even though I just received my degree in Graphic Design a few months ago, the job market in that field (and just about every other field) well...sucks. So I've been making ends meet with a retail job for about a year now. Correction: I was making ends meet with a retail job. Until today.

About 3 months ago, the register at my store kept coming up short when we would do the mid-day deposits. As the only other full-timer in the store besides my manager, I was in charge of counting out the deposit when he wasn't there, and I was the first to report a short in the deposit. Each and every time we were short, I would document it and notify the manager. It got to the point where just about every time I counted the deposit, we were short. I would even double and triple count it. Clearly, something was going on and to cover my ass, I made sure I told my manager every time it was short, as well as the amount we were missing. Sometime it would come up even, but many time it would not.

Well, as you can imagine both my manager and Loss Prevention became concerned. My manager was convinced someone was taking money from the register. I figured either that was the case, or the POS was screwed up and messing up the counts. However, I knew one thing for sure: it wasn't me. I never took any cash from the register, nor did I ever miscount.

Apparently, LP and management slyly altered my schedule as well as the schedules of other employees to isolate who, if anybody, was taking the money. I was unaware of this until last Thursday, when I received a call from the Regional LP Manager. He started the conversation off as if he was my long lost best friend, wanting to know all about me and just chatting it up.

I wondered where the conversation was going right up until he flat out asked me why I was taking the money. I couldn't believe how sure he was that it was me. He asked why I needed it, since I seemed like I had things going well for me in life. I explained to him as sincerely as possible that it was not me taking the money, and that I would do whatever it took to prove it and clear my name. He assured me that he believed me, that my name was clear...but that I would have to go on a temporary suspension. I couldn't believe it. I had been a completely model employee, having never had any disciplinary problems, and I was being put on administrative leave.

Today was my last day of suspension, and my manager called me in. To tell me they were letting me go. Because they still think I took the money. They have zero proof. No video of me doing it. (They claim they can't see anything on the video due to the poor quality) No computer record showing I created any invalid refunds or anything that would put the money in my pockets. Nothing. What do they have? The fact that my timesheets happen to coincide with the days the money was missing. Which is shocking..since I worked 40+ hours a week as was there almost more than the manager.

The real kicker? Both my manager and the LP manager claim they don't think I did it...but that the timesheet data is too damning to let it go.

So, since California is an at-will state and there's technically nothing illegal about what they did, I'm out of a job. I started my search already, even though I may not be able to hold out for job in my chosen field now. I just thought I would share my little tale about being completely and utter screwed over.

 

[Deckerd]

Well if the money keeps disappearing you could be reinstated.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I'm not sure how many criminal masterminds would meticulously point out every time they stole money. Well, outside of comic books.

That sucks. Hopefully, the money will continue to disappear from the drawer, and your name will be cleared.

Good luck in the job hunt.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

Well if the money keeps disappearing you could be reinstated.

I'm sure it will continue to disappear. Apparently the drawer was short one of the 3 days I wasn't there. So unless I've gotten so good that I can take cash from a register that is 10 miles away...

They actually told me that even if they continue to come up short, I wouldn't get my job back. They'll just keep firing people until they find out who was doing it, I guess. Makes me think I wouldn't want the job back even if they did offer it back.

I'm not sure how many criminal masterminds would meticulously point out every time they stole money. Well, outside of comic books.

That sucks. Hopefully, the money will continue to disappear from the drawer, and your name will be cleared.

Good luck in the job hunt.

That was my point exactly. Here I thought I was covering my ass by reporting it...then again I also assumed my superiors had any sort of grasp on logic.

 

[Deckerd]

The problem is references. In this country it's difficult to get a job without references from previous employers. When they finally find out who is stealing, you should insist they give you a clean reference.

 

[the Dagman]

It sounds like someone was dipping into the register on the shifts they knew you were counting it to throw the blame on you. I once had a job where something similar happened to me and got canned for it too (they called it a "lay off" since they had no proof, and I didn't even know the real reason for it at the time). Then the shortages kept happening after I was gone and they caught the real guy who was doing it. Then they called me back to work, the "lay off" was over.

Even though California is an at-will state, if they fired you for theft without any proof that constitutes defamation of character and wrongful termination. If that was what they told you, you need to go see an attorney ASAP. Such a firing is termed as a firing with cause and will prevent you from collecting any unemployment benefits. Not to mention making it impossible to use the job on your resume or for any kind of reference. You need to take action now or you are going to be even more royally screwed over. Good luck.

 

[RJDiogenes]

They still came up short when you weren't there, yet they still fired you? Both the manager and LP manager think you didn't do it, yet they still fired you? Who's brilliant idea was it to fire you? Is it possible that one of the managers is doing it?

Well, good luck finding a better job.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

It sounds like someone was dipping into the register on the shifts they knew you were counting it to throw the blame on you. I once had a job where something similar happened to me and got canned for it too (they called it a "lay off" since they had no proof, and I didn't even know the real reason for it at the time). Then the shortages kept happening after I was gone and they caught the real guy who was doing it. Then they called me back to work, the "lay off" was over.

Even though California is an at-will state, if they fired you for theft without any proof that constitutes defamation of character and wrongful termination. If that was what they told you, you need to go see an attorney ASAP. Such a firing is termed as a firing with cause and will prevent you from collecting any unemployment benefits. Not to mention making it impossible to use the job on your resume or for any kind of reference. You need to take action now or you are going to be even more royally screwed over. Good luck.

I'm not sure quite yet what they're calling this, whether it's a termination or a lay-off. It was never put into any official wording. I was just told that "they aren't gonna keep you around." They also tried to say that the fact that I took a scrap audio cable from the bin in the back room that was destined for the trash counted as theft, or as they put it, misappropriation of company assets. They even made me sign something about that, too. I'm wondering if they just used that as the nail in the coffin, so to speak. They weren't sure they could get me on the money so they used the whole cable thing. They also said I could be fined for taking the cable...a cable that I not only brought back, but would have been thrown away had I not "rescued" it.

This is by far the most ridiculous thing that has ever happened to me.

They still came up short when you weren't there, yet they still fired you? Both the manager and LP manager think you didn't do it, yet they still fired you? Who's brilliant idea was it to fire you? Is it possible that one of the managers is doing it?

Well, good luck finding a better job.

Yep. My manager even said I could use him as a reference in case a future job asks to speak to my former employee. Let me just say I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.

 

[Thespeckledkiwi]

What was your job (like what type of company for retail)? Who else had access to your registers? Why didn't you ask them to audit those that are working the registers?

 

[Tiberius Jim]

Yes, an electronics retailer. Everyone else has access. They just claim that it was only short when I counted the register for the mid-day deposit (not true) and that it was only short on days I worked.

 

[the Dagman]

They also tried to say that the fact that I took a scrap audio cable from the bin in the back room that was destined for the trash counted as theft, or as they put it, misappropriation of company assets. They even made me sign something about that, too. I'm wondering if they just used that as the nail in the coffin, so to speak.

That's exactly what it was. Congratulations. You are the official scapegoat. And they will use that paper you signed as proof.

Rule #1 when you are getting fired: Never, never, NEVER sign anything.

You have been fucked and they didn't even treat you to dinner first.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

They also tried to say that the fact that I took a scrap audio cable from the bin in the back room that was destined for the trash counted as theft, or as they put it, misappropriation of company assets. They even made me sign something about that, too. I'm wondering if they just used that as the nail in the coffin, so to speak.

That's exactly what it was. Congratulations. You are the official scapegoat. And they will use that paper you signed as proof.

Rule #1 when you are getting fired: Never, never, NEVER sign anything.

You have been fucked and they didn't even treat you to dinner first.

Yeah I realize now I should have seen what was up. Hindsight, 20/20 and all that. I've never been even close to being fired before. What made me feel okay about it was before that they gave me the option of writing a statement giving my whole side of the situation. I explained how I didn't take any of the money, and it was signed by myself and my manager. I figured that would be enough to go on record that I was denying the accusations.

 

[the Dagman]

They also tried to say that the fact that I took a scrap audio cable from the bin in the back room that was destined for the trash counted as theft, or as they put it, misappropriation of company assets. They even made me sign something about that, too. I'm wondering if they just used that as the nail in the coffin, so to speak.

That's exactly what it was. Congratulations. You are the official scapegoat. And they will use that paper you signed as proof.

Rule #1 when you are getting fired: Never, never, NEVER sign anything.

You have been fucked and they didn't even treat you to dinner first.

Yeah I realize now I should have seen what was up. Hindsight, 20/20 and all that. I've never been even close to being fired before. What made me feel okay about it was before that they gave me the option of writing a statement giving my whole side of the situation. I explained how I didn't take any of the money, and it was signed by myself and my manager. I figured that would be enough to go on record that I was denying the accusations.

Working retail is a dirty, rotten, backstabbing environment. All it takes is one person to think they have the right to take some money from the till for it to become hell on Earth for everyone. You need to cover your ass 24/7 when working such a job. It's too late for you now, but if you come up short when working retail you need to keep a journal of it of your own along with notes of what you did, who you reported it to (bonus points if you get them to initial your entry), and any other observations from that day. You may think it will never happen to you, but you'd be surprised. Retail will use you and use you until you are used up and then throw you away like a dirty napkin.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Maybe this will make you feel better. It's a couple of years old, but still funny.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

Hah, I love that article. I really don't know how they do as well as they do. They promoted my manager to his position a mere 2 months after he was hired on.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

With you signing that warning regarding the audio cable and California's at-will status, your options are limited. About the only thing you could claim wrongful termination for is if they didn't follow their own company procedures for terminating you.

If it wasn't made clear that you were heading toward termination, and from your words you weren't aware of that, you might have a case. But it's also a matter of whether or not you consider it worth it to pursue that course of action.

Are you planning on filing for unemployment? If so, you should clarify whether you were fired or laid off, because if you were fired the company could tell the unemployment clerk handling your case that you were fired for misconduct and you might be denied unemployment. I would ask or even lightly warn your former boss not to do that unless he wants you to fight it in court. He should also be perfectly clear that he should not be telling any prospective employer who calls for references in the future about this.

Sorry to hear about that though, man. I have a feeling that it might have more to do with finding an excuse to cut back on employees now that the holidays are over with than anything else. For some reason a lot of companies can't just be straightforward with you about that and instead try and stack the deck against you and look like they had justification based on trumped up accusations.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

With you signing that warning regarding the audio cable and California's at-will status, your options are limited. About the only thing you could claim wrongful termination for is if they didn't follow their own company procedures for terminating you.

If it wasn't made clear that you were heading toward termination, and from your words you weren't aware of that, you might have a case. But it's also a matter of whether or not you consider it worth it to pursue that course of action.

Are you planning on filing for unemployment? If so, you should clarify whether you were fired or laid off, because if you were fired the company could tell the unemployment clerk handling your case that you were fired for misconduct and you might be denied unemployment. I would ask or even lightly warn your former boss not to do that unless he wants you to fight it in court. He should also be perfectly clear that he should not be telling any prospective employer who calls for references in the future about this.

Sorry to hear about that though, man. I have a feeling that it might have more to do with finding an excuse to cut back on employees now that the holidays are over with than anything else. For some reason a lot of companies can't just be straightforward with you about that and instead try and stack the deck against you and look like they had justification based on trumped up accusations.

Yeah, I really don't feel it's necessary to deal with attorneys and court over this. I'd much rather move on and find a new, better job as a result of this.

I did talk to my manager about putting it on record that I either quit or was laid off, as to make getting a new job or unemployment easier. I have filed for unemployment but am not counting on it and would much rather get out there working again. With my experience and education there's no reason why I should be sitting at home waiting for a check from the govt. to roll in.

As far as references, I've been listing my previous manager from the first store I worked in, not this guy at the store I was fired from. As far as my first manager knows, I'm just not with the company anymore and has nothing but good things to say about me.

 

[ThankQ]

Shit, I don't want to make your thread about me, but I have a somewhat similar story, for what it's worth.

A few years ago I took a part-time job at a sporting goods store. One of my "associates" (I hate that term) was called Chad. Chad was there about a year before I started. Of course, at a sporting goods store, all the guys thought I was a "gay egghead". I'm used to that. When we had choices, the guys would all want to work in the weights section or guns or some other manly such thing. I always wanted apparel. "He'd rather mess with clothes than weights and guns, he's a faggot" was the logic as it was explained to me. Of course, being an egghead has its advantages. While the muscle boys were busy checking out each other, calling me a faggot and whistling at the hot girls who walked PAST the guns and weights, I was busy chatting them up in the APPAREL section, you know, where they actually hang out!

That part's not too important to the story, I just got swept up in the chance to yell YOU STUPID FUCKERS! at those guys. Until just now, I didn't realize how much I wanted to do that

Anyway, all the faggotry talk ended with the hiring of Kasey. Ah, sweet Kasey. Hot little 22 year old blonde bird who never met a pair of jeans that were too tight. And she was assigned to: Apparel. Well, she and I just hit it off swimmingly. Chad was also keen on her. After about a month, Chad was promoted to assistant manager. Before Kasey, Chad and I had gotten along okay, certainly not friends, but we were always professional. Well, when I was working near Kasey all day, and when she took a liking to me, AND when Chad suddenly found he had authority, that professional working relationship changed quickly. Within a week, I was never working with Kasey, but somehow, Chad always was. Starting the next week, we never even worked the same shifts, limiting our ability to see each other outside of work.

Several weeks later, I had to have surgery on my jaw. I planned it out with work, and was going to miss Wed, Thurs and Fri. Well, the drugs I was on afterward made me puke everytime I stood up for more than 10 minutes, so I called work on Sunday, talked to Chad, and explained, and told him I'd like to hold off on coming Monday. He said, "Then when?" and I told him I'd like to shoot for Wednesday, but I wasn't sure. He told me not to rush and just come back when I'm ready. I asked if I needed to call in every day, and he said only if it was going to be more than a week, if not, just show up for my shift on Wed, thurs, Fri or next Monday. I said okay, and then showed up the next Monday to find out, from the Big Boss, that Chad had fired me for three no-shows.
----
I was in the store shopping at Christmas that year when Big Boss saw me and asked how I was doing and whatnot. He said he'd had to let Chad go. He asked if I was interested in coming back, and that he thought I'd have been a better manager, but Chad had twice the seniority. He said he hadn't wanted me fired, but since Chad was so new to managment he didn't want to overrule him on his first "big" decision. I told him thanks for the offer, and suggested this is why it is unwise to base promotions on seniority rather than ability (of course, he's retail, so he'll probably never understand that). I told him, "I'll pass, how can I trust you now?" He said, "yeah, well, it is what it is."

 

[the Dagman]

With you signing that warning regarding the audio cable and California's at-will status, your options are limited. About the only thing you could claim wrongful termination for is if they didn't follow their own company procedures for terminating you.

If it wasn't made clear that you were heading toward termination, and from your words you weren't aware of that, you might have a case. But it's also a matter of whether or not you consider it worth it to pursue that course of action.

Are you planning on filing for unemployment? If so, you should clarify whether you were fired or laid off, because if you were fired the company could tell the unemployment clerk handling your case that you were fired for misconduct and you might be denied unemployment. I would ask or even lightly warn your former boss not to do that unless he wants you to fight it in court. He should also be perfectly clear that he should not be telling any prospective employer who calls for references in the future about this.

Sorry to hear about that though, man. I have a feeling that it might have more to do with finding an excuse to cut back on employees now that the holidays are over with than anything else. For some reason a lot of companies can't just be straightforward with you about that and instead try and stack the deck against you and look like they had justification based on trumped up accusations.

Yeah, I really don't feel it's necessary to deal with attorneys and court over this. I'd much rather move on and find a new, better job as a result of this.

I did talk to my manager about putting it on record that I either quit or was laid off, as to make getting a new job or unemployment easier. I have filed for unemployment but am not counting on it and would much rather get out there working again. With my experience and education there's no reason why I should be sitting at home waiting for a check from the govt. to roll in.

As far as references, I've been listing my previous manager from the first store I worked in, not this guy at the store I was fired from. As far as my first manager knows, I'm just not with the company anymore and has nothing but good things to say about me.

That's all well and good, but you really need to realize the state is sitting at 12% unemployment right now. Getting another job may not be all that easy even with the best of references. And unemployment isn't "a check from the govt." You PAID for unemployment insurance when you were working. If you owned a home and it burned down, would you not file a claim under your homeowners' insurance? Same thing. Don't be hesitant to collect.

Best of luck to you in your job search.

 

[ThankQ]

And unemployment isn't "a check from the govt." You PAID for unemployment insurance when you were working.

Do you all understand this?