A question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about a complicated situation:

I was terminated in Sept of 2018 by a major fortune 100 employer. The director of my department had been in a long term affair with my wife. Who also worked and still works for the company. When I was confronted by my wife’s BF, I objected to the affair and resulting harassment. I was then fired. Then in addition I was blacklisted using the PADS nuclear security access system. Is my issue more title VII or slander or harassment? or what other civil or criminal laws apply? Thank you. Signed Fired Because

My husband has been in at least an emotional affair with a high up HR individual (not completely sure of her title, but I believe she is the HR Director) of the company. He is the Director of Operations at the same company. I am not sure if my husband and I are going to make it through all of this. In an attempt to save our marriage, he has confronted her about his emotional connection to her and the need for some distance.

A question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about posting Birthdays.

Is there a form that I can have each employee sign giving permission for our Company to post their Birthday? Just a simple form that the employee can sign for the Company to post their Birthday on a  Company-Wide Calendar. I know some companies refuse to post Birthdays and some have a permission form.  We would like to request a form if at all possible. –Signed Permission for a Happy Birthday

Dear Permission for a Happy Birthday:

A question to Ask the Workplace Doctors about disclosure of texted criticism of bosses:

I recently vented to my longtime friend and coworker via our personal phones, about my unhappiness with my work situation and made comments about my bosses out of frustration. She then told HR that I was unhappy, they asked what I said and asked to see the text messages (without my consent or knowledge prior). Now I’m being told that my texts were considered harassment and go against company guidelines since they were sent during company hours (we are working remotely, so they were not sent while on the property, and again on non-work devices).

What should be written in response to a verbal warning, acknowledging I received it?  Signed –Warned  

Dear Warned,

If the warning was written, sign your name that you received it. And if you think the warning was correct, apologize and promise to do your best to not allow it to happen again. If you feel it was not your fault, explain briefly why. Describe what happened prior to the incident for which you were blamed. Perhaps ask for specific instructions, more training or advice on how to avoid being blamed.   Whatever the warning, it’s wise to commit yourself to doing good work and to working cooperatively with your workgroup.

Question to Ask the Workplace about what a former boss said.

I do truly believe that I am being blackballed by an old boss from about ten years ago. I left for several reasons but mostly tired of working 12 hour days(salary position) and $$ issues. My salary was a direct line item expense for my boss. I had been promised after one year I would receive a raise. Company mergers and I was given a two year contract of course at my starting salary. (If I was a terrible employee she could have used the merger as an excuse to get rid of me but didn’t) The new company HR messed up and mailed me both my and my bosses contract. Well turns out the boss is in the 98th salary percentile while I’m in less than 25 percentile.