Issues With Former Employer

Willie Bee · 03-13-08, 01:13 PM

Have a lawyer contact them in writing.

Robyn · 03-13-08, 01:15 PM

Keep calling and MAKE SURE you document every single time you call...the date and time and name of person you speak with (if applicable). You might also want to start emailing them and copying a few people so that you have it in writing that you have been trying to reach them.

Use the squeaky wheel rule.

If that doesn't work, contact an attorney.

rake922 · 03-13-08, 01:28 PM

Were you fired for something?

If you tried to attack somebody and then they fired you for it, they don't intend to pay for the class

Robyn · 03-13-08, 01:35 PM

That's debatable. If he signed up for and finished the class prior to his termination, they are still responsbile for compensation.

swede96 · 03-13-08, 01:38 PM

Depending on policy. I get paid for the class, but if I leave the company within a year, I have to pay them back.

buztah · 03-13-08, 01:40 PM

Did you steal from or cause the co to lose money in any way?

Robyn · 03-13-08, 01:42 PM

Good point, Swede.

diatchi, go to your company website and see if you can download their policy & procedures manual.

Sportsgirl · 03-13-08, 01:43 PM

diatchi - I would get Swede and Shams to go together and collect this money for you.

capitalist pig · 03-13-08, 01:49 PM

File a claim in small claims court, if they plan on paying you they will take care of it, if they dont plan on paying you, then you will get your day in court. Here in FL it cost $250 to file the claim. good luck with it.

later

Robyn · 03-13-08, 01:50 PM

I agree with CP....but do your homework first.

swede96 · 03-13-08, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by Sportsgirl

diatchi - I would get Swede and Shams to go together and collect this money for you.

Shams and I working together could do some serious damage should we choose to use our power for evil.

rugbybdyb · 03-13-08, 05:45 PM

That sucks....Is there a policy where you have to stay there a year in order for them to pay, some of the companies require a certain number of months for you to stay for them to reimburse........

thegreatdiatchi · 03-13-08, 10:25 PM

Nah it wasn't a violent firing. I was dismissed for two reasons - one being quality of production and the second being that while my skills helped the company I wasn't a good fit for the specific position I was in. I should have actually received the reimbursement before the company terminated me but since the person who was subbing for the primary hr person didn't know what she was doing things got pushed back.

I'm actually just as annoyed with the fact that they aren't responding to me as I am about my tuition not being paid.

There was no mention whatsoever by the company that I would not be paid for the tuition. If I wasn't going to be paid they should have told me two months ago when they let me go - not doing what they are doing right now (with tax refunds and everything that has occured if i knew i wasn't getting paid i would have just paid the thing myself).

I appreciate everyone's advice here and I plan to use as much of it as needed...which reminds me...I have heard that Swede and Shams are a devastating duo...

.

robmpink · 03-13-08, 10:34 PM

Originally posted by thegreatdiatchi

Nah it wasn't a violent firing. I was dismissed for two reasons - one being quality of production and the second being that while my skills helped the company I wasn't a good fit for the specific position I was in. I should have actually received the reimbursement before the company terminated me but since the person who was subbing for the primary hr person didn't know what she was doing things got pushed back.

I'm actually just as annoyed with the fact that they aren't responding to me as I am about my tuition not being paid.

There was no mention whatsoever by the company that I would not be paid for the tuition. If I wasn't going to be paid they should have told me two months ago when they let me go - not doing what they are doing right now (with tax refunds and everything that has occured if i knew i wasn't getting paid i would have just paid the thing myself).

I appreciate everyone's advice here and I plan to use as much of it as needed...which reminds me...I have heard that Swede and Shams are a devastating duo...

.

You say that the company didn't mention it. They don't have to verbally tell you.It could be housed somewhere on their intranet. Like Swede said, that is the policy of my company. Just curious, who was your former employer?

Robyn · 03-13-08, 10:36 PM

Look to see if they have a copy of the policy and procedures on their website....or contact human resources.

thezbar · 03-13-08, 10:51 PM

Its been my experience that once you leave a company they will "close the books" on you as soon as possible. If there was a betting line "Will you ever collect this money?" No would be the favorite.
My approach would be the Squeaky Wheel Tactics for another week or so. Then I would send a registered letter threatening legal action as you're only recourse to resolve this issue and wait for a response. If that doesn't work you may have to seek out a lawyer. The letter is more cost effective so I would use that first. Be sure you know the companies policy. Many require length of service as a requirement for benefits.G.L.

thegreatdiatchi · 03-13-08, 10:51 PM

Originally posted by robmpink

You say that the company didn't mention it. They don't have to verbally tell you.It could be housed somewhere on their intranet. Like Swede said, that is the policy of my company. Just curious, who was your former employer?

Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance

Yea that's an important point and if that is the case I really don't have much to stand on. I don't remember seeing anything specifically stating that in the forms. I checked their website but there are no specifics there and I don't have a paper copy of their employee policies on hand.

In spite of that though, I tried contacting human resources four times now (3 via phone and once via email) to look into this and other than one time over a month ago where they said "we are looking into it" I still haven't heard anything back. Even if the answer is no, giving me a response is the least they could do.

I was with the company for 21 months and I was paid for the course from the previous semester (I had to check into that one a couple times as well but it did eventually get paid). The letter sounds like a very good option here and i have the documentation to back it up as well.

Robyn · 03-13-08, 10:52 PM

Email them next time.

chandler1981 · 03-13-08, 10:53 PM

Did the company require you to take the course? Either way, if they said they would pay then they should.

If it was required, then they will pay.

How long did you work there before you took the course and how long were you there after you completed the course?

Just a few questions I have but I dont think they all determine the position of the company on the situation.

I am just trying to piece as much info together to come up with an ethical decision.

thegreatdiatchi · 03-13-08, 10:58 PM

The company didn't require me to take the course but they did say they would pay as long as I got a B or higher (I got an A).

thezbar · 03-13-08, 11:12 PM

I can"t believe an Auto Insurance Company would use stalling tactics! What is this world coming to?
One possible explanation is that there may be addition accounting issues that are causing the delays. You're check could require addition approval because of the circumstances. Don't give up.

rugbybdyb · 03-13-08, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by thegreatdiatchi

Unitrin Direct Auto Insurance

Yea that's an important point and if that is the case I really don't have much to stand on. I don't remember seeing anything specifically stating that in the forms. I checked their website but there are no specifics there and I don't have a paper copy of their employee policies on hand.

In spite of that though, I tried contacting human resources four times now (3 via phone and once via email) to look into this and other than one time over a month ago where they said "we are looking into it" I still haven't heard anything back. Even if the answer is no, giving me a response is the least they could do.

I was with the company for 21 months and I was paid for the course from the previous semester (I had to check into that one a couple times as well but it did eventually get paid). The letter sounds like a very good option here and i have the documentation to back it up as well.

Im an insurance adjuster on the property side and usually the companies are fairly good with things like this(contrary to popular belief) I would contact corporate HR in writing and stop dealing with the local branch if they have stopped responding, once they get an email from corporate they will get off their tail end and do something. Do everything in writing, you need to document well because you know they will. Anyway good luck and let us know how it works out.