Employers must be obligated to share with job applicants the references they give or receive. An option for an applicant to sign away his right to know must be made illegal! Written job references could be required to be passed through the hands of the applicant first (like in some countries).
Why is this important?
To avoid abuses like vindictiveness, framing of co-workers, or preventing underpaid employees from moving on, it is vital to have transparency in all job references. Job seekers should always be able to learn what their references are saying about them, so they can know what is going on. Honest job references should not have to shun the light of day.
