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E. Sample Letters

 

FIGURE 1.1 Sample Letter to Human Rights Commission

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Your Address

Telephone Number

Date

Director of Appropriate Agency

Anywhere, U.S.A.

Re: Formal Protest Against ABC Employer for Illegal Hiring Practices

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is a formal complaint against ABC Employer, located at (address).

On (date), I was interviewed by (name of employee) for the position of (title). The interview took place at (location). During this interview, I believe I was asked a variety of illegal questions. The following are the specific questions asked: (name them)

Although I answered some of the questions, I chose not to answer others on the basis of irrelevance.

After the interview, I was told by (name) that the company never hired anyone who refused to answer these questions. Although extremely qualified, I was denied the job.

I believe I was the victim of illegal and discriminatory hiring practices. I understand that your agency has the authority to investigate these charges and institute legal proceedings, if appropriate. Therefore, please investigate this matter on my behalf. You can reach me at the above address and telephone number if you require any additional information or assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter,

Sincerely,

(Signature)

[Send certified mail, return receipt requested.]

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FIGURE 1.2 A Sample Employee Letter of Agreement

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Your Address

Telephone Number

Date

Name of Corporate Officer

Title

ABC Corporation

Anywhere, U.S.A.

 

 

Dear (Name):

Per our discussion, it is agreed that I shall be employed by ABC as a computer analyst for an initial term of two years, beginning January 1, 19 -. As compensation for services, I will receive a salary of $30,000 per year payable in equal bimonthly installments on the first and fifteenth day of each month during the employment term.

In addition to my base salary, I will receive an annual bonus of $ 10,000 payable in equal quarterly installments, and the company will promptly reimburse me for all reasonable business expenses on presentation of appropriate vouchers and records. This bonus will be given as compensation for additional services to be rendered. Upon termination of this agreement for any reason, I shall be entitled to receive my bonus and salary for the remaining period of the quarter in which my termination occurs.

If any of the terms in this letter are not correct, please advise me immediately in writing. Otherwise, this letter shall set forth our understanding of this matter.

I look forward to working for ABC.

 

 

Sincerely,

(Signature)

 

[Send certified mail, return receipt requested.]

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FIGURE 1.2B Sample Sales Representative Agreement

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Your Address

Telephone Number

Date

Name of Corporate Officer

Title

Company Name

Anywhere, U.S.A.

Re: Sales Agreement

Dear (Name):

This letter will confirm the terms of my engagement as an exclusive sales

representative for your company.

I agree to represent the company in the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina for a minimum period of one year, beginning on January 1, 199_.

The above-named territory will be covered exclusively by me, with no other sales reps covering this territory. There will be no house accounts in the territory.

I will receive a commission of 10 percent of the gross invoice for all accepted orders in my territory, regardless of whether the orders are sent by me, received by the company through the mail, or taken at the company's place of business without my assistance.

There will be no deductions from my commission for credits or returns. Commission checks together with commission statements will be sent on the tenth day of the month following the month my orders are accepted.

I will be considered an independent contractor and will be responsible for all applicable social security, withholding, and other employment taxes.

This contract will be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms so long as my yearly gross volume of accepted orders exceeds that of the previous year.

If any of the terms of this letter are incorrect, please advise me immediately in writing. Otherwise, this letter shall set forth our understanding of this matter.

I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

(Signature)

 

 

 

[Send certified mail, return receipt requested.]

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FIGURE 1.3 Sample Letter Protesting Sexual Harassment

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Date

(Name)

Supervisor

QRS Company

Address.

Re: Complaint of Sexual Harassment

 

 

Dear (Name),

While working for the company, I have been the victim of a series of offensive acts that I believe constitute sexual harassment.

On (date), I (describe what occurred and with whom). I immediately (describe your reaction) and felt that such conduct should stop. However, on (date), another incident occurred when (describe what occurred and with whom).

I find such behavior intimidating and repugnant. In fact, (describe the physical and emotional impact on you), causing me to be less efficient on the job. Unless such conduct ceases immediately, I will contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce my rights. I do not wish to take such a drastic measure. All I want to do is perform my job in a professional environment.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

 

 

[Send certified mail, return receipt requested.]

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FIGURE 1.4A Sample Letter Demanding a Smoke-Free Work Environment

Date

Name and Title

Department

Company Name and Address

 

 

Dear (Name):

This will confirm the conversations we have had regarding the need to provide me (us) with a work environment free of tobacco smoke. Enclosed is information to support the request to eliminate smoking in work areas.

Also enclosed is a petition signed by employees in our work location. [If this is an individual request and there is no petition, disregard this paragraph.]

As my (our) ability to work is constantly undermined by the unhealthy, toxic pollutants to which I (we) am (are) chronically exposed, I (we) will appreciate your giving this request priority. May I (we) expect a reply by (date)?

Very truly yours,

(Signature)

[Sent certified mail, return receipt requested.]

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FIGURE 1.4B Sample Follow-up Letter Requesting Smoke-Free Environment

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(Date)

Name and Title

Department

Company Name and Address

 

Dear (Name):

As of this date, I (we) have received no reply to my (our) request of (date).

[If temporary or interim measures were tried but were unsuccessful, identify them here.]

To protect my (our) health while in your employ, it is vital that the company provide me (us) with a smoke-free work area so as to comply with the common law requirements of this state. I (we) have asked organizations that are expert in the area of occupational health to provide you with additional information on my (our) behalf

I (we) will appreciate your immediate response to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

 

 

 

 

[Send copies to middle management, president of company, medical director of company, union representative, and personal physician.]

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FIGURE 1.5 Sample Acknowledgment of Receipt of Idea

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On this day, I have received from (employee's name) an idea concerning which was presented in the form of The company acknowledges that it has not used the idea in the past. If used, (employee's name) will be compensated according to the following:

The employer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the material submitted to us by (employee's name) and agrees not to disclose it, or the ideas on which it is based, to any person, firm, or entity without the employee's consent.

(Date) (Employer)

 

 

By:

(Employee)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*If compensation is difficult to determine at the time the acknowledgment is prepared, it can state that the employee will be compensated in a manner mutually agreed upon by the parties and that the idea will remain the property of the employee until such a formula is determined.

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FIGURE 1.6 Sample Letter Protesting Unfavorable Job Reference

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Your Address

Telephone Number

Date

(Name of Employer)

Anyplace, U.S.A.

 

 

Dear (Name):

On (date) I applied for a job with (name of potential employer). At the interview, I was told that your firm had submitted an inaccurate, unfavorable reference about me.

You supposedly said the reason I was fired was that I was an uncooperative and complaining worker.

This is untrue. In fact, my personnel file, which I copied, contains not one derogatory comment about me.

You are hereby requested to cease making inaccurate statements about my job performance. If you do not comply, I will contact my lawyer and take appropriate legal action.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

 

 

Sincerely,

(Signature)

cc: Potential employer

(Send certified mail, return receipt requested.)

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FIGURE 1.7 Sample Complaint Letter to job-Search Firm

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Your Address

Telephone Number

(Date)

Name of Firm

(Address)

 

 

Dear (Name):

On (date) I responded to an advertisement your firm ran in (name of magazine). The ad specifically promised that your firm could find a job for me as a salesperson in the cosmetics industry. The ad stated that a $250 advance was fully refundable in the event I could not obtain a job paying more than $20,000 per year.

Per your request, and after several telephone conversations, I sent you a check for $250. That was four months ago. Since that time I have received one letter from you, dated Which states you are reviewing my employment history.

In view of the fact that I have not obtained full-time employment, I hereby demand the return of my $250, per our agreement

If I do not receive the money within 14 days from the date of this letter, I shall contact the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Better Business Bureau, the frauds division of the attorney general's office, and my lawyer to commence a formal investigation.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

 

 

[Send certified mail, return receipt requested. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, your next step should be to contact your local Department of Consumer Affairs and Better Business Bureau-see Figure 1.8.1

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FIGURE 1.8 Sample Letter to Department of Consumer Affairs and Better Business Bureau

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Your Address

Telephone Number

(Date)

Commissioner

Department of Consumer Affairs

 

Re: Formal Complaint Against ABC Employment Agency, License

 

Dear Commissioner:

I hereby make a formal complaint against (name of employment agency). I believe that the firm has committed the following illegal acts (state what they are).

The facts on which I base my allegations are as follows: (state the facts).

On (date), I sent the agency a formal demand letter requesting the return of my deposit. This letter was sent by certified mail, and I received no response. I enclose a copy of the letter for your review.

I request that you convene a formal hearing regarding this matter.

Feel free to contact me at the above address if you need any further assistance or information.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

 

 

[Send certified mail, return receipt requested.]

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