BG Legal: Fired Illegaly?

[Mansin]

Yes, I have set up a free legal consultation, but I would like extra opinions on this.

I worked for the state on a contract basis (6 months at a time) up until yesterday. I got a text from my coworker 4~ hours before I was scheduled to work saying "Don't worry about coming in tonight. More information later". I then got a call about 2 hours before I was scheduled to work from my boss saying:

1) You won't get paid for June until July due to some retarded bullshit the state does for employees. (this is legit, I looked it up, no state employees get paid for June).

2) You don't have to come in tonight, or ever.

3) We're not renewing your contract.

Now, my contract was set to expire in mid-late July sometime. I don't remember the exact date my contract expires, so I'm attempting to get it faxed to me - more on that later. I know I signed it sometime in January after a meeting we had to set up our electronic sign in, and a contract is good for six months.

About an hour after that call, my co-worker and used-to-be friend texts me a lengthy diatribe because he found out I fooled around with his girlfriend at the time in the past. They were "on a break" at the time, but cue the internet white knights. Regardless, this now personal vendetta against me is what I believe caused my contract to be cut short early. He has worked there a much longer time than I have, and is the obvious favorite here.

My boss had never raised concerns to me directly about the quality of my work, or that my contract was in danger of being cut short. Once she had my coworker (who, for the record is not in any form my "boss" or "higher up", my boss isn't even his boss) tell me that she had concerns based on _____ and whatever, but again has never directly stated anything to me in person. Her office is less than 30 feet from mine, and she could most certainly take a break from playing Solitaire all day to talk to me if she had issues with my work. I've called three times today attempting to get my contract faxed to me, and no one is answering my calls.

That being said, do they have the right to fire me or cut my contract short based on the circumstances? I know nothing about contracted labor, so if anyone knows anything, hlap.

[Tyche]

No one will know shit without seeing the contract for sure, even afterwards, you'd have to give a better explanation for why they cut it short, as in specifics. It should go without saying that you don't fuck with a co-workers (ex) significant other. Oh, and the state.

[Mansin]

At the time, I was not working with him. Either way, yeah it was a shitty thing to do and I understand that, but this moral mistake shouldn't play a part in losing me my job.

And for specifics, I wasn't given any. Her words were "We won't be continuing your contract for the semester to December." No reason, just "sorrylol".

[archibaldcrane]

The decision not to renew your contract seems fine, no discrimination there (they can fire you plain and simple for not liking you, regardless of the quality of your work if they want). Whether they have to "honor your contract" through July is a totally different issue, and would completely depend on the details of the contract.

You don't have a wrongful termination lawsuit on your hands.

[Tyche]

So they aren't terminating the contract, just not renewing it?

[Mansin]

"Not renewing it", but at the same time terminating it. It was supposed to at least last another 3 weeks.

[archibaldcrane]

Read your contract.

[Melchiah]

You signed a contract, and you didn't get a copy up front? Not wise.

[jmc]

Gonna have to read your contract,

There is more than likely a clause saying they can terminate anytime they want for any reason.

If that's the case your SOL....I mean, even if you did get a case to sue...would it be worth 3 weeks pay?

[Cephius]

I think we've been over this 100 times before. Unless you can PROVE you have been discriminated against (99% of the time, you can't) you're not going to win any legal battle. Unless you can prove they were in breach of contract or something, it's not worth the effort.

[Khamsin]

Are they still paying you the full amount of the contract? Or will you not find out until you get paid in July?

[aurik]

Nope.avi

No case. Check your contract but it probably says they can fire you. Which is what they did.