Slashdot Mirror
Can You Be Sued for Quitting?
An anonymous reader asks: "I work at a large hosting company in Texas, and recently decided to go work for a smaller competitor. I had a great relationship with my employer and wanted to leave on good terms, and I hadn't signed any non-compete or employment agreements . I felt my old company had just gotten too large and I didn't like working there anymore, so I gave them two weeks notice in writing. They were really upset when I insisted on leaving and one week into my last two weeks the V.P. of Sales told me the company was suing me for leaving, and they were also suing my new employer for hiring me. I was shocked, and they then escorted me out of the building. Has anybody ever heard of this happening? Do they have any legal basis for suing me?" It shouldn't have to be said that seeking professional legal representation, in such a situation, is the first thing one should do.
This isn't Germany and we do not have anything resembling a socialist work structure. Unless your employment contract states otherwise the two weeks notice itself is a mere courtesy, not a legal requirement. In fact, in many businesses you can expect them to have security escort you out of the building immediately upon giving notice; or fire you without any notice at all.
KFG
This is absolutely false. You can say bad things about former employees. Many people don't because they don't want to run the risk of the former employee finding out and suing for defamation. If you are confident that what you say is true and that you can defend it if necessary, or are confident that the ex-employee won't find out, you can say negative things. Its a matter of how much risk there is of a suit for defamation.