Lost a mechanic (long post)

[SadieKate]

But the fired employee is the one who provides the recommendations and references. You think he is going to use the shop that fired him?

Any shop that he applies to would have to read between the lines and ask why he doesn't provide a recommendation from the shop he was just working for. I'm not an HR professional but I've taken university extension classes as a manager.

And with no legal action against the guy? The previous employer can't say a word.

Irulan has it absolutely right.

don't give this cretin that kind of power over you. That is a choice you know. If you ran into him again, stand straight up and tall, look him in the eye with a look that says, "I know your gig and you KNOW what will happen if you so much as bat an eyelash at me".

[maillotpois]

most employers ask for recommendations and references.

Oh no way. They call, you say "Yes, X worked here from ___ to ____." That's IT. Otherwise you face exposure for libel, etc. No HR department will officially say a WORD. Word of mouth shop to shop maybe, but an HR department generally won't even say the person was FIRED.

They ask for recommendations - and if you get them, great. If you get only dates, that's a red flag. But I've been told many times not even to say good things about people - fears of reliance on that and disappointment in the person recommended, etc. Tis a most litigious age. And yes, I profit from that, generally.

At least you dealt with it - and good work, Bluetree!

[Bluetree]

I heard on the grapevine today that the offending mechanic was "released."

I hope the store gave you ample apologies/compensation to your satisfaction, Fuji.

[Geonz]

A toast to courage!

[Fujichants]

I haven't been back to the store to see what happened, but good to know!

I received a gift card from them...I gave it to BF so he can buy whatever he needs.