I'm going to get UI....

I got a call yesterday from the local UI office. The dude who was handling my case said he spoke with the harpy. I'm so sorry he had to talk to her... I know exactly what she said, and how she said it. Loud and profane! It was interesting, too, because he said that she insisted she had issues with my work, and that she was (to quote him) "Um...............pretty um.....adamant."

I can tell he felt sorry for me for having to work for this whack-a-doo. He told me I'd get a letter granting me benefits, but that she was going to appeal. She is pretty bent on dragging this whole affair out, and making it as ugly and as messy as possible. He wasn't necessarily supposed to tell me all that, because I'd be getting a letter, but he told me anyways, probably to help me brace for the worst.

I also got an email from 'T' telling me how loud the harpy was when she talked to the UI guy. That poor man...
I'm supposed to get a call from her later on just to tell me what she said. This will be interesting, although I'm really ready to forget about this whole thing and move on. I'm sick and weary of this. I wish it was over already.

T is also looking for other work. She asked to use me as a reference, because she knew that the harpy would never provide a good reference. I wonder if she's ever given anyone a good reference.
However, I'm glad she's trying to get out of there. I hope she finds something. I'm gonna miss her. We worked pretty well together.

POST A COMMENTHaveADamnNiceDay(05/05/2009)
Also, I need some help, folks... On a whim I went to the MD employment laws website and looked up laws on unpaid wages. I have yet to receive my final paycheck, and it has been a few weeks. According to the MD law, I have a right to those unpaid wages, as it's a misdemeanor to withhold payment for work done. I have to draft a letter requesting to be paid 'or else'--or else being taken to court, where I might be entitled to 3X the unpaid wages plus court fees. She is already fighting me on UI, and she has yet to pay me for my last days of work. I need this money as my husband is the only one really working and earning any money right now.
I'm really not the kind of person to rock the boat, and I hate fighting in legal matters. It's uncharted territory for me--it feels like I might be facing Goliath. A short, fat, angry, vindictive Goliath.
If any of you have any experience with this or know something about it, I'd love to hear about it.

BonusOnus(05/05/2009)
HADND,

Laws are different from state to state so you should check about MD's laws.

But generally (and that's a caveat because laws are different state to state), you are entitled to wages for all hours worked. She cannot withhold your final paycheck, even if it's for one hour of work.

When you sent the letter, I hope you sent it with receipt confirmation so you can prove she received the letter. If she doesn't respond file a complaint with your state labor board. That will force her to give you your last paycheck. The penalty that she has to pay is different from state to state but you can be entitled to more.

Also, fight her on the UI. But when there is a UI administrative hearing, you have to go in there with documentation. She's going to make false accusations and you need to have examples that refute those accusations.

I hope your UI raises the UI premium for your crazy ex-boss.

Also, if she's running her own small business, why don't you go on Yelp and give her business a very poor review?

HaveADamnNiceDay(05/05/2009)
Bonus--
I actually didn't know about Yelp! I will do that! What about complaining to the BBB? Will that do anything?

HaveADamnNiceDay(05/05/2009)
I already have documentation from her (email) that she was withholding my paycheck upon recepit of the key to her office. I sent it certified mail (I'm no dummy) and I have the receipt and the return card. The website for MD laws advised that when I do send the letter (I haven't sent it yet), to do the same. I just need to figure out the wording for this letter.
I've already read the law. I just need to cite it properly.

BonusOnus(05/05/2009)
The BBB is good if you know that your boss deliberately used unlawful or unethical business practices. Mistreating her customers would not necessarily fall under these categories though.

Also....if you know of an illegal activity she did, you can claim that she fired you because you were whistleblower. This allegation carries a hell of a lot more weight than allegations of racism or sexism BTW and is easier to win in court.

I'm not saying that your boss terminated you because of this but it's something you should know.

Good luck in your travails. I know you want to turn the page on this chapter but what you are doing might force your former boss to change her ways...or give a warning to future employees about her.

That reminds me...go to glassdoor.com and you and give a review about employers too.

Best of luck HADND.

bookwoman(05/05/2009)
You're not rocking the boat, you're standing up for what's right.

Don't over emphasize the battle aspect of this endeavor. You are due monies which you have not lawfully received. The law provides a process which you can use to collect those monies. Try looking at this process impersonally, if possible. The more rationally and less emotionally you present yourself, and the situation, the more you empower your stance.

I understand why you want to put this behind you and move on but you are owed money. If you have to take the additional step of going through legal channels to get it, while that mean seem like a lot of effort in uncharted waters, try and look at it as a learning experience.

Best of luck. You deserve it!

Are you sleeping better?



HaveADamnNiceDay(05/05/2009)
I actually am sleeping better. I do dream of the boss from time to time, but they're odd impersonal dreams. I had a dream the other night she sat down next to me with a carton of chinese food and started picking at me during lunchtime, like she was some dumb high school kid. I sort of ignored her.
I'm trying to let go of the emotional aspect of this. It's been easier this time around than others, because I know what kind of creature I'm looking at. I know it's markings, it's habits and unfortunately its smell.
I've managed to emotionally detach myself enough to not wish for revenge, but only the proper closure to this whole ordeal, and I don't care if she learns anything from this or not. I'm the kind of person who in the past has tried to take it upon herself to teach others a lesson, and it usually backfires, because I'm the one who gets the lesson. I think I've gotten enough of those to know better now.
In the meantime, I've been searching for work, doing art projects, and reinventing my role as a wife. I've been teaching myself to multitask with laundry, dinner and dishes. Fun. :oP
But seriously, I've been in the business of support for my husband now, since he's the only one left earning anything, so I need to make sure he's fed, clothed and rested properly, instead of leaving him to his own devices, like I've done in the past. He has a lot on his plate now, so I need to take on all the domestic duties until I find work again. I have an interview tomorrow at 2pm. Cross your fingers!

BonusOnus(05/06/2009)
Best of luck HADND! We are all pulling for you.


CK(05/06/2009)
Sorry day if I am chiming in late but I truly feel for you. I know that bosses are getting harder by the day because they think they can get away with it given the current economic situation.

Bonus is right regarding taking her to court. There are plenty of lawyers who advertise were I live regarding wages illegally held by employers. I do think that situation is becoming more and more rampent as the economy tanks.

But before you do ANYTHING rash, talk to a lawyer regarding your case. I would also tell the UI guy that she is also illegally withholding your last pay check.

Fight her with everything you got!!!

sympathetic reader(05/07/2009)
It is great that you have a sympathetic caseworker for unemployment!!! Tell your unemployment case worker about not getting paid ASAP!!! Ask him to direct you to the proper office in Labor and Industry.

The BBB is like a subscription service similar to the Yellow Pages. Businesses pay to be listed with them. You can make a complaint with the BBB but that has no legal ramifications. Both my husband's friend and one of my friend's has sold these subscriptions through BBB.

Legally paper the 8itch to death. Throw the kitchen sink at her. Most of these forms you can fill out yourself. They don't even require you to type them.

When she weighs what she has to pay someone to defend her against what she owes you, she will pay you. Remember you have more time than she does right now. You aren't working she is working. You are in a better position than you think you are. Once you get settled in a new job you will put this on the back burner. Good Luck and God's speed.

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