Can a former employer call people to tell them why you were fired?

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Can a former employer call people to tell them why you were fired?

My former boss called a mutual friend (not business-related) and gave specific details about why I was fired. Can he do that?

Asked on February 2, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Texas

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Yes, it can.  While unprofessional, it is legal.  The only exceptions would be if this action violated company policy or any applicable employment/union agreement.  Also, if this situation arose to to some form of workplace discrimination.  Absent that, this unfortunate behavior is does not violate the law. That is, as long any comments made were the truth.  If they weren't then you may have a claim for defamation; specifically slander.  You didn't however indicate this to be the case. 


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