To: President Donald Trump, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
Give fired and laid-off workers an even break
Employers who do reference checks with previous employers, allegedly verify only dates of employment and salary but they can also ask the question "Is he/she eligible for rehire." A simple "no" from the previous employer seals the doom of the potential hire. This practice which gives employers an advantage as well as incomplete or even false information, must stop.
Why is this important?
Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people have been let go from their jobs to allow corporations to save money on payroll or insurance premiums. Most are older workers or employees who "run up" the premiums with frequent healthcare visits. They sign a statement to remain silent about details and circumstances of their exit, in exchange for a meager severance. However, by law, if New Company X calls Previous Company Y about the fired or laid-off employee, X can ask Y "Is s/he (the candidate) eligible for re-hire." A "no" from Previous Company Y, without explanation, is a nail in the coffin for the candidate.
This is an unfair and discriminatory practice: the ex-employee cannot comment about Y but the Y, by answering "no" to the eligibility question, says it all and can totally destroy the ex-employee's chances for employment.
This situation requires immediate legislative action to ensure that people are hired based on skills, experience and abilities and not on the bias of a former employer.
This is an unfair and discriminatory practice: the ex-employee cannot comment about Y but the Y, by answering "no" to the eligibility question, says it all and can totally destroy the ex-employee's chances for employment.
This situation requires immediate legislative action to ensure that people are hired based on skills, experience and abilities and not on the bias of a former employer.