Comments on: what to do about former coworker giving bad reference for a job?

By: majormomma

majormomma — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:45:08 +0000

It’s not illegal for someone to give a negative reference as long as the information given is truthful. If someone is spreading lies about you, that’s called slander and it’s a civil wrong. However, to sue someone for this you have to prove what happened and who did it.

The most practical thing to do is to contact the HR director of your former job and complain about what happened. I guarrantee they will have a little talk with her and tell her not to do it again.

By: angelastheboss

angelastheboss — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:47:02 +0000

lol pwnd

By: typewithnospaces

typewithnospaces — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:49:21 +0000

Typically the only references that can be given are:
dates of employment
re-hire status
and possibly salary

I do not know if this is law, but it has been a standard with companies to keep them out of lawsuits.

I would contact your local Department of Labor to get specifics. They are very helpful and have lawyers that can give you some advise as well.

Good Luck