Location: NY State
My coworker at the law firm I’m a paralegal at got fired recently, and she just sent a demand letter to my boss saying she was unlawfully discriminated against for her termination. She was really let go because of sexual solicitation and there were several employee complaint. My boss found out today and he wants to go through all my and my coworkers texts. My coworker used to be my friend, and we would send intimate information about our sex lives that I really don’t feel comfortable showing to my older male boss. I’m also queer and am not out to my coworkers.
I know my rights, so I chose not to send any screenshots of any texts because I am not required to under law. Could I get retaliated against? What should my coworkers and I do in this situation?
Comments
>I know my rights, so I chose not to send any screenshots of any texts because I am not required to under law.
That’s not necessarily true. If this escalates to the point of a lawsuit, your texts may be subject to subpoena.
i would seek the advice from a separte lawfirm…3rd party set of eyes is always good
Who owns the phone?
Refusing to cooperate in an employer’s investigation could lead to losing your job, being employed at-will. This is different from retaliation against an employee who initiated an investigation.
Legally, you do not need to provide anything to them until there is a subpoena. Refusal does not come without risks, though.