How do I handle this situation regarding previous employer (possible) harassment?

Question

I was recently terminated from a job I worked at for 6 years.  I had been promoted 3 times over that 6 year period.  The last position I was moved into I was not experienced in and my employer was aware of this.  I was in the department for a year before being terminated due to not knowing my job.  I had received no training on the duties I was to perform every day, but instead was told to research my job online and teach myself.  Being that the programs we used were created in-house, I was unable to find any info on what I needed to learn. I was then terminated for not knowing my job.

Today I received an email from the HR dept because employees in my department have been receiving harassing blocked phone calls on the company line and their personal cell phones and HR is stating that the voice on the messages is "unmistakably" mine.  I have been mistaken for other people on the phone hundreds of times. I am NOT making these phone calls.  I wouldn't do anything like that as I am an adult and not a child.  Also, I wouldn't do anything to risk my employer approving my unemployment benefits. In the email it stated that if it wasn't going to stop that they would take further action!  This is not me making these calls!  I replied that it wasn't me and I can provide phone records to prove this.

Is this considered harassment on their part, being that they are blaming me for something without proof? I don't want this effecting my unemployment benefits. What should I do?

tro · Answer

you are being harassed and unless they can prove with a professional speech tech that the messages are yours, they are stating idle threats
the reasons for your unemployment are not dependent on what you did or did not do following employment
you were terminated and your edd will determine if you are eligible or not
they do contact the employer for their response but unless hey can prove you  were totally negligent in your job they likely will not prevail

Slickterp · Answer

Unless they can prove you made the calls, then they don't have jack squat.  That said, it's impossible to provide a record of a call you didn't make.

It isn't harassment.  They have reason to believe it's you.  They have stated they would take further action.  You replied it wasn't you.  It only becomes harassment if they persist.

Unemployment isn't affected.  But if you got fired for not knowing your job, you aren't likely to get unemployment anyway...

venusazaboy · Answer

Thank you Tro, for this answer! I feel better knowing this. I was definitely not negligent as I did perform my duties to the best of my ability and constantly asked for more work, projects, etc. I loved my job and I loved the company I worked for. So I guess I have nothing to worry about. I know I didn't make these calls, I know I worked as hard as I could, I was never late and very rarely called out. I was dedicated and very liked there. This whole situation just sucks but I am taking advantage by going back to school and getting a degree. I am hurt over the termination, yes, but I am also trying to move on, so I wouldn't do anything to make anyone there upset as I cared for my coworkers very much for 6 years. I am actually more hurt that they would think I would do something like this. I thought they knew what kind of person I am: caring, helpful, and true to myself. It seems that they really didn't care about me at all but just pretended for 6 years.

It's a sad situation but it wasn't all bad because it has now opened the door for me to go back to school and further my education (through unemployment assistance). Thanks again, Tro. I appreciate your feedback!

It's a sad situation but it wasn't all bad because it has now opened the door for me to go back to school and further my education (through unemployment assistance).  Thanks again, Tro.  I appreciate your feedback!

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How do I handle this situation regarding previous employer (possible) harassment?

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