Today I got fired because I was caught on camera saying some not-so-nice things about my boss. I didn’t realize the camera also recorded sound. I didn’t do anything “wrong” other than venting. Any thoughts?
This got out of hand fast. I see lots of arguing here instead of actual advice. Closing this thread.
I’m surprised they went this far. You may have grounds to claim unemployment. Ohio allows recording only if one person in the conversation knows about it, and since it sounds like you weren’t aware, it could be something to look into. Just be aware that Ohio’s laws on recording apply to public spaces in the workplace, so it might be legal, but they should’ve posted a notice about it.
I’m glad I’m in a union because I can tell my boss off without worrying.
I got fired today because I was recorded via a camera talking negatively about my boss. I didn’t do anything ‘wrong’ other than talking poorly about my boss. I did not know the camera was recording audio.
Were you looking for advice on whether your termination was legal?
@Ben
No need to be rude. Take care.
Cairo said:
@Ben
No need to be rude. Take care.
They were just asking if you had a specific question! There wasn’t a question in your post.
Cairo said:
@Ben
No need to be rude. Take care.
No need to be rude. Take care.
I’m not your friend, and I wasn’t being rude. Look, bad-mouthing your boss is more than enough reason for them to let you go.
@Ben
Exactly. Well said.
Honestly, I think you’re downplaying it. You got caught bad-mouthing your boss, so it makes sense they let you go. They didn’t break any laws by firing you.
Tatum said:
Honestly, I think you’re downplaying it. You got caught bad-mouthing your boss, so it makes sense they let you go. They didn’t break any laws by firing you.
I never said I shouldn’t have been fired. I get it, Ohio is an ‘at-will’ state. I just wanted to see if I had any options here, though I know it’s slim to none.
@Cairo
Probably made their life easier without someone talking behind their back.
I didn’t do anything ‘wrong’ other than talking poorly about my boss.
You don’t need to do something ‘wrong’ to get fired. Even random things could get you terminated. Just file for unemployment, and if they deny it, appeal.
@Han
The other owner actually liked me and said he wouldn’t oppose unemployment. I’m hoping he sticks with that.
Cairo said:
@Han
The other owner actually liked me and said he wouldn’t oppose unemployment. I’m hoping he sticks with that.
Hope it goes smoothly for you. Unemployment can sometimes be tricky depending on the paperwork and responses from your workplace.
@Hartley
Let’s keep this focused on legal advice related to employment law. Thanks.
Cairo said:
@Han
The other owner actually liked me and said he wouldn’t oppose unemployment. I’m hoping he sticks with that.
A lot of employers say that as a courtesy, but your eligibility is based on what they report to the state, not their words. They don’t have to officially ‘fight’ it to impact your claim.
@Adler
True, but it does vary. For example, in California, unemployment often sides with employees if they can show ‘good cause’ for quitting.
Chen said:
@Adler
True, but it does vary. For example, in California, unemployment often sides with employees if they can show ‘good cause’ for quitting.
Exactly, and that’s because ‘good cause’ is a factor they take into account. Here’s some more info if you’re curious: Voluntary Quit VQ 5
@Adler
Yeah, that’s right. Each state has its own standards, so the employer’s input isn’t the only deciding factor.