Complaint Review: SCF ARIZONA - PHOENIX Arizona

Consider the following questions.

Why do Arizona statutes allow an employer to besmirch an introductory employee's reputation, damage a career and wreak financial havoc via dismissal without any obligation to show cause, explain the grounds for the termination or provide an option for appeal?

Why would anyone with a good job take a chance on a new one, if it were widely understood that, at least in Arizona, an employer can dispose of recently hired employees at any point during their introductory period for any reason or no reason, without risk or repercussions?

I have absolutely no wish to be a poster boy for ill treatment by an employer; especially one whose mission I otherwise respect. In fact, I would much prefer to remain anonymous.

However, it disturbs me greatly that provisional employees (new hires) have absolutely no legal recourse or protection in the event that they are released. I feel compelled to ask anyone with an interest in Arizona's business environment to look into this issue.

It seems likely that there are others, aside from me, whose lives may have been adversely impacted by such circumstances as I encountered while with SCF Arizona. Perhaps there are many.

Mr. Don Smith, CFO

Mr. Duane Miller, COO

SCF Arizona

Gentlemen,

Congratulations on SCF Arizona's recent success in obtaining front-page coverage in the Arizona Republic on safety issues relating to Hispanic workers. I'm glad I could help. Director Christa Severns used statistical data I obtained from the CDC and OSHA to pitch this story to reporters six or seven months ago. At the time, Christa told me I was a star.

It has been four months since Communications and Public Affairs Department Team Leader Jan Johnson said, You might be better cut out for technical writing and released me. That occurred on November 1, 2006.

How odd. I had been interviewed. My portfolio was reviewed. I took and obviously passed a writing test. Plus, I had written and published articles in many more publications than had my manager, her manager or the VP of Communications, for that matter.

Or what about the fact that in five months on the job, three of my "bright ideas" were accepted and implemented, a feat equalled by only one other employee in the Communications Department?)

In December, a local firm asked me to provide freelance marketing/PR consulting services. In January, a whole hour after a press release I prepared went out to 10 selected media members, my client had a request for an interview. My client wrote her staff the following note:

Glenn definitely nailed it with the Virtual Consultancy' (approach), although I know we were all surprised that would be the hot topic.

That interview generated a 60 column-inch story in a recent Sunday edition of the Tribune Newspapers. The client noted in an email, The first paragraph was almost verbatim of Glenn's press release.

Pretty surprising result for someone not up to the challenge of writing for SCF Arizona, wouldn't you agree?

On the other hand, before Team Leader Jan Johnson told me that I wasn't up to the job, she wrote this email:

Glenn--great job!!! You made some super edits. I am so pleased that you pay great attention to what the words say or perhaps don't say. You really did a nice job. (From: Johnson, Jan Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 12:53 PM)

Later, she sent this email to VP of Communications and Public Affairs Rick DeGraw:

Subject: Boy, he's good

Hey, what do you think, Rick? Glenn took your response for the Ask Management question and made it rather fun and inviting, at least in my humble opinion. Read on (From: Johnson, Jan

Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 10:48 AM)

Would it surprise you to learn that every article I wrote while with SCF was published, with perhaps one exception? Or that I received kudos from SCF colleagues up to the day I was released?

DeGraw and Marketing & Sales Director Rick Jones seemed to appreciate some of my marketing communication insights.

Glenn, Excellent comments and Yes' I agree with you, SCF's website needs help not only for our current policyholders for retention, but for any prospective policyholders.

(From: Jones, Rick

Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 4:03 PM)

I couldn't agree more. That's why I should have a contract in hand, in the next week to redo the internet site completely, make it usable, make it friendly and let people get where they need to go in three or four clicks. I'll keep your apprised. Thanks.

(From: DeGraw, Rick

Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 3:24 PM)

Here's another Rick DeGraw response to one of my emails:

RE: Quick thoughts on the Expo / glenn

Each of these issues is quite real. This is the first time anyone has looked at these expos as a very important piece. We need to work on each of these issues and so I am including Jill in this response since she and Christa will be working on future developments as well. Thanks.(Thu Jul 13 06:57:59 2006)

Four months of unemployment have cost me approximately $20,000 in lost salary, added insurance and medical expenses. Let's not overlook the attendant stress, upset and anxiety. This is my reward for turning down a $65,000 counteroffer from my prior employer to accept a position paying $49,400 with SCF Arizona.

You may recall that I wasn't given any review or forewarning prior to my release that would have enabled me to make necessary adjustments, although I requested and was promised a review. Nor was there any opportunity to appeal my release. Presumably, employees of my caliber don't deserve such consideration.

I love what SCF Arizona stands for. I will never, ever, forget how I was treated by SCF.

Sincerely,

PS

Should you suspect that my story reflects capricious and unfair treatment of a decent, hard-working SCF employee, I invite you to review my online portfolio. It might help you solidify an opinion on the matter.

Cc. SCF Arizona Board of Directors

Others

Glenn

PHOENIX, Arizona
U.S.A.