lay off while hiring

[mtrtkt]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

I was put on a lay off in June of 2004. I was told this was due to lack of work. However, when I called the owner of the company several times through summer and into fall, I was told that there was still to little work and they did not have the funds to bring either me or the other to men layed off back yet. O was promised to be called right away when work "picked up".However I found out during that time several new employees were hired and to current date, more, and at a higher wage than I was when I was layed off. Is this legal in the eyes of labor laws? Does it now matter if I had to move on to another job after hardship for many months on unemployment.?
Thank you for your time
God Bless.

 

[racer72]

Your former employer can hire anyone he wants, there is no requirement to re-hire any layed off employees. The only exception would be if there is a union contract between the parties.

 

[cbg]

Or any kind of contract. It doesn't have to have been a union contract.

But with that provision, racer is correct. Unless you have a bona fide contract of some sort that guarantees you rehire rights, the employer has no legal obligation to rehire you, regardless.

 

[mtrtkt]

thanks guys

Thank you for your responses. I was not sure and is good to know for future reference. I appreciate your time.