Obligatory heads-up: this is not my personal situation, but a long time friend. As such, any questions may take a bit longer to answer given me having to pester them over text for answers. 🙂
Loose chronological outline of actual firing:
- Friend asked for work-related clarification in which (barn) owner told her to do X, but then kept snapping at her for doing X
- Owner exploded on her, stating that he doesn't need her, he can do it all without her, etc etc
- Owner told that since he doesn't need her anymore that she should just leave.
- Friend packs up her things, loads her car, and leaves
- Owner told two other employees in person, another over text, that my friend was being let go.
Yesterday, when she tried to file for unemployment, they denied it as it was listed as her “voluntarily quitting”. In addition, she received her last check with this stamped on the back:
“The undersigned payee(s) accept(s) the amount of this payment in full and final settlement of all claims, whether known or unknown, which payee(s) claim(s) against
of , their affiliates, their agents, employees, successors and assigns, arising from all goods and services prior to the date shown. The release reserves all rights of of , their affiliates, their agents, employees, successors and assigns, to pursue legal remedies, if any, against such payee(s). The undersigned further acknowledge(s) that (s)he (they) have (has) read herein and fully understand its contents”
To the best of my knowledge, locking a final paycheck behind a forced rights waiver is illegal as it violates the Department of Labor's requirement to pay before the 21st day after the last pay period.
Additionally, reporting the firing as a voluntarily “quitting” is also illegal (and fine worthy) as they are attempting to dodge unemployment responsibilities. All three people agreed to testify, if needed, to the owner stating she was fired.
Thanks in advance!