Location: Michigan
I’m in Michigan and recently discovered that my former employer (large pizza company) classified my separation as “job abandonment” — even though I gave a written three-week notice, worked through it, and even agreed to extend it an extra week at my boss’s request.
Here’s a timeline:
• June 19, 2025 – I submitted my resignation via work email, with a final working day of July 7.
• July 7, 2025 – I completed my notice period. My supervisor verbally asked me to extend through July 13, promising I’d be rehired as an Assistant Manager.
• July 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM – My boss told me in person that I would not be rehired after all. Since the only reason I stayed the extra week was based on that promise, I told him I would not be working that final shift.
• July 20, 2025 – I found out my separation had been reported as “job abandonment.” I’ve since tried contacting HR to correct it, but they’ve ignored my messages.
This false classification could hurt my chances at future employment and unemployment benefits. I no longer have access to my resignation email, but I do have my boss’s written reply confirming receipt.
Questions:
1. Do I have legal grounds to pursue action against my employer for this false classification?
2. Could this qualify as defamation or retaliation under Michigan law?
3. What’s the best way to get this corrected if HR won’t respond?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Comments
Classified to whom?
There may be nothing you can do here but ask.
>my separation had been reported as “job abandonment”
Reported to whom? To their internal record keeping? They’re entitled to that. And if they tell someone who calls for a reference that you’re ineligible for rehire for job abandonment, that’s true enough.
He did you dirty, and you quit before working the final shift. If he wants to consider that “abandonment“ he can. Seems unfair, but it’s not really a legal issue.