This can not be right !!!

[frustrated father]

I live in Ill. I worked for a jewelry store for 6 months. During this time 2 large pieces of jewelry came up missing. Lost prevention was called into the store and we were told that we would all be question about the missing pieces, but when the man from lost prevention came to our store I was interrogated in a way that he was trying to get me to admit that I was the one who stole the 2 pieces. After he was done with me he and antoher employees had a conversation about the 2 missing pieces. She was not interrogated like I was and there were 6 other employees that were not even questioned. 2 or 3 weeks lator I was fired. There reason I was given was, not hitting goals, but I was 2nd in sales in the store. Being the only Black male working in the store I feel that I was fired because they thought I stole the pieces but they could not prove that I did so they used my performance as an excuse. Have I been discrminated against? and how long do I have to file a complaint.

 

[buddy2bear]

If you think that all you stated occurred because you are black, which obviously you do and it looks like it, then file a charge with the EEOC. I think you have 300 days from the incident. Did you file for and receive unemployment?

 

[frustrated father]

Thanks I never thought of the EEOC. I just tried to find a lawyer that handled this type of case, but there are not that many that do. No I did not file for unemployment. I felt that if I did that I might get lazy and not look for work as hard as I should.

 

[buddy2bear]

"Lazy" has nothing to do with it. There are several reasons why you should file for unemployment: (1) you need the money to get by until you find another job; (2) You will find out the company's written reason, if any, why you were fired; (3) if you "qualify" for unemployment then that means the State did not find a "legitimate" reason, in their eyes, for you to be let go, which "helps" your case.

However, be aware, companies are opposing unemployment because that "stamp of approval" from a State agency could/might help if an employee sues them for something. If you collect unemployment that means you were not involved in "misconduct" or "gross misconduct."

Also, your unemployment office can help you put together a resume, find another job, and in some cases, send you for paid training!

 

[frustrated father]

Is there a time limit on how long after you are fired that you have to collect unemployment? What are the chances of me getting anything from the company that fired me. Would it even be worth it to take this to the EEOC? because this would not only be to get money for what they did but to say that they were wrong for what they did.

 

[buddy2bear]

I don't know Illinois unemployment compensation laws. Call or visit them and ask. However, don't wait too long. Check out their employment services while you are there.

As for the company, file an EEOC charge for race discrimination. EEOC has mediation which they are pushing hard. You might come out with something, you might only come out with the satisfaction of having "slapped your x-employer's wrists," it will depend. Either way, you have nothing to lose since you have already lost your job.