So mad I'm sick!
I received the worst possible piece of mail yesterday. As many know, my job ended the end of March. The business closed and my position was dissolved. I have been unemployed since then, for the first time in six years. Have been looking for another job, but living in a small college town makes it rather difficult.
My last paycheck bounced! When my job ended, I received my last paycheck and a bonus check. I deposited the bonus check, but held the paycheck for about three weeks - it was dated April 1. I know, I screwed up holding it, but I didn't want to take the chance of it getting spent and to wanted to make sure I had funds available to cover May's bills in the event I had not found another job yet.
I never dreamed those bozos on the Board of Directors would have the account shut down so quickly! Those numbnuts closed the damn account without obviously checking for any outstanding checks! Our rent, checks to the grocery store and all our utilities were written off of that.
After all the work I did for them.....putting in extra hours during the closing procedures and helping pack everything up, I never received the letters of reccommendation that were promised to me. They just blew me off when I asked. Also, because they are a 501C3 Charity organization, they're exempt from paying unemployment taxes - therefore I got screwed out of any unemployment benefits through NO FAULT OF MY OWN!!!!!!
After all that....now this happens! I don't know if there's any legal issues here. Does anyone know? I certainly can't afford a lawyer! I'll be lucky if I don't end up with several hundred dollars of bounced check fees now! I didn't sleep at all last night. My first action this morning to go to my bank and find out my status.
This could NOT have come at a worst possible time! No job yet and money's running thin to start with! GRRRRR!
Lead Moderator & Abbey Enchantress
Posts: 2216
(5/29/03 9:25 am) Reply
Re: So mad I'm sick!
Oh my gosh, Mery! I am so sorry that happened!
I would think that there HAS to be some kind of recourse. You said you couldn't afford an attorney, but many will give you a free initial consultation. You might want to think about that. Some will even take a case on a contingency. That way, they will take a percentage of any money they collect on your behalf. I had to do that with my ex-husband. The attorney I used gets 20% of the back support I receive. I really couldn't afford the deduction in funds, but I figured that 80% of something is better than nothing.
Lead Moderator & Castle Maiden
Posts: 3198
(5/29/03 11:20 am) Reply
Re: So mad I'm sick!
OH NO Mery!!!!!!! I am so sorry this has happened! I just don't know what would be available for you there in the U.S. I'm sure someone can give you some good advice. You know there once was a time when if you were a devoted employee you were rewarded for your loyalty. Now it just doesn't seem that way. You could work for a company for years and give it all your blood and sweat with absolutely no loyalty back to you. I have changed my attitude towards my employer. I'm here 9-5 I'll do what I can do within that time, and that's IT. Loyalty just doesn't seem to be rewarded anymore.
Ok I'm rambling
Mery keep that chin up and keep us updated on how you are doing. Banks can be so damn frustrating. I hope you make out ok there. ((((((((((((mery)))))))))))))))
Re: So mad I'm sick!
Oh Mery Im sorry your going threw this, But tash is right about lawyers. You should just call around and find out what you can be able to do about the situation. I would notify your bank on whats happening. Did you know you can see your bank status online. Just thought you would like to know, its easier than waiting to physically go down there. I hope all this is straightened out for you.
Ghstbster
katt66 Moderator & Chatelaine
Posts: 680
(5/29/03 6:52 pm) Reply
Re: So mad I'm sick!
Mery, (((((((((( Hugs)))))))))
I am so sorry you are geting dumped on like this!!!,I can't belive they did that to you after all the time you gave them.Did you know you wouldn't get unemployment? I worked for a Christain scholl for three yrs and when they closed that's when I found out they didn't have to pay unemployment.Sending you good vibes.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re: So mad I'm sick!
((((((((((((MERY))))))))))))))))
I'm so sorry. Try looking up the laws in your area. I hope it all works out for you. I just lit a green candle for you. Hope it helps.
Re: So mad I'm sick!
Thank you everyone for all the kind words of support and encouragement. As you can tell from my initial post, I wound up tight and on a serious adrenaline rush over it all.
It all worked out. It only took 2 1/2 hours of phone calls between me, my bank, and my previous employer's board president and board accountant, but I got it straightened out.
Looks like I came out of this unscathed. I talked with the accounts manager at my bank first and explained the situation to him. He informed me that since it is a "payroll" check, the employer issuing the check is completely liable for any and all insufficient funds charges incurred. But...they have a window of opportunity to make things right by making sure those funds are in my account no later than 2 pm!
So, I called the board president first. He sounded real nervous! I did my homework with my bank manager first and he knew I had them basically by the balls here. No where on that check does it state void after XX amount of days, therefore, they are unavoidably liable. He tells me I need to call the board accountant and let him know what's going on.
So....I call the board accountant, a CPA .... who should frickin know better! I explain the whole thing to him and mention, "since the girl in the office is so overloaded right now - can't one of you take care of this and we can avoid NSF charges." He replies with "what do you mean we?"
That's when I told him what the accounts manager at my bank told me regarding their liability here. He didn't see it as being their responsibility still. Well....looks like he saw the light, because I called my bank and that transfer was done within thirty minutes after we spoke.
My bank had already informed me that they could draw up papers that I could take the DA's office to start legal proceedings, then they will not only be liable for the NSF charges, but court and legal fees as well.
One thing that really made me mad was when the accountant handed me the line of bull saying that they had no way of tracking or checking for outstanding checks. BULL HOCKEY! I'm NOT a CPA and even I know that's horse hockey! I may not have that college degree, but surely they don't think I'm that stupid!
Anyway, the entire matter got resolved and everythings okay now. Thanks for letting me rant. I was having a major panic attack when all this started.
Re: So mad I'm sick!
Thats great mery, glad everything was settled, and to your advantage. Ranting is good, and were hear to listen and help if we can. ((((HUGS)))
Lead Moderator & Castle Maiden
Posts: 3231
(5/30/03 1:40 pm) Reply
Re: So mad I'm sick!
YEAHHHHHHHH MERY!! I'm so glad it worked out. You know what's so damn frustrating. It's YOU who had to fight to get that money. Pay that you were entitled too. Grrrrrrrrr. Anyway glad it worked out, and feel free to rant any time!! I would have as well. That's why the forum is here. We all need it from time to time!!
Re: So mad I'm sick!
I'm so happy it all worked out for you. I wonder how many other people that company did this to that didn't go down to the bank and fight.
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