Can an employer promote an employee to a position that was previously terminated?
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Can an employer promote an employee to a position that was previously terminated?
I was laid off from a healthcare sales consultant position in September. My former
employer provided me with a signed, written agreement letter for my departure,
stating that they ‘will not hire anyone at that level again senior level’ in the
future. Recently I found that a former coworker who was working in a lesser
capacity than I was, has been promoted to that same position, with the same title,
after I was informed that the position would no longer exist, nor would anyone be
hired at a senior level position. Is this legal? Do I have a case for wrongful
termination? Any and all insight is greatly appreciated.
Asked on June 12, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Connecticut
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
An agreement, written or verbal, is not considered to be a legally binding contract unless a firm offer is made and accepted, and each party gives "consideration". In other words, an agreement is binding only if there is a meeting of the minds between 2 parties and each party offers something of value or otherwise makes a change in their position. Accordingly, from what you have written there was no valid contract formed with your employer so it was free to set the conditions of the workplace much as it saw fit. Accordingly, it could promote a worker to any position it deemed appropriate. If you had had a valid employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, then you would have a case. Also, it your treatment constituted some form of legally actionable discrimination you would have a legitimate claim.
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