Legal Question in Employment Law in Kentucky

i have a job at a place where i dont get along with my GM. Its a franchise store, independently owned. I recently met with the owners about troubles i was having with the GM, and they assured me they would talk to the GM. I returned to work next day, everything went fine. Than i wasnt on the schedule for almost a week. Finally i asked the GM why i wasnt scheduled, and he informed me that i was being demoted for another employee. He gave me a list of reasons, such as being late to work. I asked for a copy of the time clock records, he couldnt produce them. He said , "it doesnt matter anyway, i have made my decision". This was a direct retaliation of me meeting with the owners. He was upset i went above him, and had got him in trouble for the way he was treating me. My paycheck has shrunk significantly. i cannot claim unemployment, because technically am still employed. All the reasons the GM gave me for the demotion are totally bogus, and doesnt have a shred of evidence or file to pull to prove otherwise. What can i do? This person is causing alot of problems for me, and i dont want to lose job. the job is great, the GM is just unprofessional and is no good at managing people. When i tell you his side is fabricated, its true. Do i have a case against him personally? i dont know what to do. What labor laws protect me? He didnt show me any policy or paper work, just told me i was being demoted, and i hardly get to work now. what do i do?


Asked on 10/05/11, 2:54 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys
Andrea Welker Welker Law Office

Unfortunately, unless you have a contract that says otherwise, employment is at will, meaning they can fire or demote you for any reason, or no reason, so long as it isn't discriminatory for protected classes of individuals (race, religion, gender, etc.) And if he hasn't told others of your supposed wrongdoings, there isn't a defamation claim. You might try going back to the owners again, but ultimately, that guy is still going to be your boss, and if you can't deal with him, I would suggest looking for another job immediately.

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Answered on 10/15/11, 7:06 am


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