A Question of Compensation - Temp Agency VS Temp
I was contacted by a Temp Agency regarding a position I matched with on 12/07/17 (whom I've worked with in the past for a large job). On 12/11/17 I had a face-to face meeting with the contractor. On 12/13/17 I was notified that was 'hired', had secured the position and that my 'start date' would be the day after Christmas (12/26/17). By 12/14/17, I had completed and signed all their paperwork (background screen, consumer reports, other pertinent info) again, and completed the usual drug screen test (and passed). On 12/22/17, I sent an email to confirm the start date, time, etc. and did not hear back from them. Through a mutual co-worker, I was told that the job would be starting on 1/2/18 (the day after new years). I also had to cut my New Years Eve plans short to be back in time. After I hadn't heard back from the Temp Agency, I sent another email on 1/08/18 to confirm a start time and date. Through the mutual co-worker, I was told (1/10/18) that his representative (from the Temp Agency) confirmed that the job was now a 'NO-GO', and the temp job was no longer. Later that day, my representative called me and confirmed the contractor backed out and we were no longer need.
QUESTION(S): Should the Temp Agency compensate me for time lost due to the inability to seek other employment during the month long waiting/hiring/work period? (Since after being told I was 'hired', this kept me from obtaining other possible positions with other companies.) What (if any) would my compensation be? What step(s) should and could I take? Is this legal? What action(s) should I take? Is/are there repercussions to pursuing this?
Mark, This is an at will state-meaning the employer & employee can leave at any given time. However, even with an at will state there has to be given a reason by employer & employee why they are leaving. In this situation the temp agency did provide you with a reason the job was no longer available. I would like you to realize that although the job was temporary never stop looking for a permanent job. This is a valuable lesson learned. When the next opportunity arises make sure you keep looking for a permanent job even if you are working temporary. What so many fail to realize this is an employee's market not an employers market. You always have the right to keep searching for your opportunity. Keep your head up and keep moving forward. That simply was not the job for you. "Life happens for you and not against you" be blessed and keep moving forward.
They should compensate you but unfortunately they are not required to. At-Will Employment laws practiced in almost all of the US states protect employers from employee claims of release of employment at anytime.
No sounds like a crappy agency. They don't have to pay you. What I've recently experienced is that they are now outsourcing he and recruiters who God bless them are just trying to make a living. They speak English but the comprehension sometimes questionable. If you deviate from the script they panic. Good luck on your job search.