Workplace defamation is a serious legal issue involving the dissemination of false, reputation-damaging information about a person by an employer or colleagues. This can manifest as false accusations (e.g., theft, incompetence, data leakage), negative reference letters, or spreading rumors that hinder career advancement or lead to wrongful termination. In Georgia, labor disputes are often intertwined with defamation: employers often resort to discrediting employees to justify dismissal. Such actions violate not only the Labor Code but also the person's right to honor and dignity. Professional reputation is a person's career capital, and protecting it is crucial for future employment.
What does the Workplace Defamation service cover?
This service protects employees and managers from professional reputation damage:
- Reference Letter Disputes: Taking legal action (damages) if a former employer provides false negative information to a new employer.
- Appealing Disciplinary Actions: Court annulment of reprimands or dismissal orders based on false accusations.
- Bullying by Colleagues: Legal response against spreading rumors and creating a hostile environment in the workplace.
- Compensation Claims: Seeking back pay and moral damages if defamation led to job loss or career stagnation.
- Public Retraction: Obliging the employer to disseminate information about the falsity of accusations within the same circle where the defamation occurred.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Defamation at work often occurs as follows: Fabricating Dismissal Reasons: An employer accuses an employee of financial misconduct to avoid paying severance. "Blacklists": Unofficial exchange of information between HR managers about "problematic" employees. False Sexual Harassment Accusations: Discrediting a colleague during career competition. Questioning Competence: Declaring an employee unprofessional at public meetings based on false facts.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
Workplace defamation is regulated by the Organic Law of Georgia "Labor Code" (prohibition of discrimination, protection of honor and dignity) and the Civil Code. Also important is the Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, which protects employees from harassment. According to court practice, the burden of proof lies with the employer to verify the correctness of the information they disseminated (e.g., the reason stated in the dismissal order). If the employer cannot prove this, they are liable for compensation.
Step-by-Step Process
The lawyer collects evidence: orders, emails, correspondence, and witness statements. The first step is filing a claim with the employer and negotiating. Often, employers agree to compensation or correcting the record to avoid litigation and reputational damage. If an agreement fails, a lawsuit is filed in court. The court process includes both the restoration of labor rights (reinstatement/compensation) and the retraction of defamation.
Why Legal.ge?
Restoring professional reputation is difficult but necessary. Legal.ge connects you with experts in labor law and defamation. We will defend your career against unfair accusations and ensure your name is clean for future employers. Do not concede your reputation—fight with Legal.ge.
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