Q-During a business trip four years ago, I rebuked sexual advances that my boss made toward me. I had told one of my co-workers about it and word got around. Another co-worker who heard about it used the information to try to get my boss in trouble. My boss thought I was behind it and he became hostile toward me, although he did give me my bonus. I’ve been with the company for 25 years and I would like to take early retirement. Would a possible lawsuit help me get more in an early retirement package? A co-worker took early retirement and was given one year’s salary.
A–It sounds like you think threats and blackmail are good ways to negotiate. I’m not saying that it isn’t done, but I don’t think that’s the reputation you want on leaving a company after 25 years. If you are interested in early retirement, express your wish to your boss and the human resources department. If the company policy gives a one-year salary to those retiring early, that’s probably the offer you’ll receive. In addition, your boss might be elated about you retiring.
But your boss was right to blame you for your co-worker’s actions. You are equally responsible for whatever your co-worker did to sabotage your boss, because you started the gossip. Sexual harassment is a serious charge because it could permanently affect a person’s livelihood and reputation. Granted, reporting it has always been awkward because the incident might have been reduced to your word against his. But if you had thought it was serious, you should have consulted an attorney at the time to see what your options were. If you then decided not to report it, you should have kept it to yourself. Spreading the allegations through gossip was wrong.
Q–A recruiter sent me on an out-of-town job interview. I was told I had to make the arrangements and pay all the travel expenses that would later be reimbursed. I submitted my receipts, but it’s been a month and I have not received a check. I have left messages with the recruiter, but have not heard back. I was told the company I interviewed with is still looking for a candidate. Aren’t they obligated to pay?
A–If there’s enough time, the interviewing company will usually send you your tickets before a trip, but you will still have to document and submit your other expenses. When the company needs to meet with you immediately, you will be asked to buy the tickets and submit all your expenses either to the recruiter or the interviewing company. Most companies pay after 30 days, but it could take longer. If you don’t receive a check within 60 days after you submit your bill, write a follow-up letter stating the reimbursement agreement you had and that you have not received payment.
Q–I was told that our firm’s profits were down and was offered a voluntary severance package. I chose not to take it, hoping I would be transferred to another division. I was never placed and I decided to accept the package, which included outplacement services. Afterwards I heard that the company hired a temporary to do my work. I’m in my 30s, but isn’t this age discrimination? I worked there for 10 years.
A–You are too young to be covered by the age discrimination laws. But the company apparently thought you were making too much money for the position, which may also be why you were never placed in another division.
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Problems on the job? Write to Lindsey Novak, Jobs, Room 400, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60611, or via e-mail: AtWorkbyLN@aol.com. No phone calls, please.
