One good option may be to call your former employer directly and ask for a face-to-face meeting. Let him or her know ahead of time that you intend to discuss business. If you know your former boss well, you may want to invite them to a business lunch.
Call them and talk to them. Be honest about what you need. You may get what you need.
Not enough information to answer. What kind of 'grievance?' For WHAT? What is it you are seeking?
yes they can.
A former employer may inform a prospective employer at his discretion.
You need to call his former employer or call the entity that was issuing the checks.You need to call his former employer or call the entity that was issuing the checks.You need to call his former employer or call the entity that was issuing the checks.You need to call his former employer or call the entity that was issuing the checks.
yes
If your former employer is holding your personal property (i.e.: tools), and by their actions have given clear indication that they do not intend to return them to their rightful owner, then they have 'taken property without right' which is the definition of THEFT. Try to communicate to them that although you wish to recover your personal property with as little fuss as possible, let them know that if they don't return them, you will make a theft report to the police. If you don't wish to take this course of action, you could file a claim against them in Small Claims Court seeking compensation for the replacement cost of the tools.
Mr Fizzywigg
Yes, typically discrimination settlements with employers are considered taxable income by the IRS. It's always best to consult with a tax professional for advice on how to handle the tax implications of the settlement.
Passively, yes. If a potential employer wants a letter of recommendation from a former employer, and the former employer knows the ex-employee is a hopeless loser or an outright crook, they will write a letter of "recommendation" that will say in effect: "So-and-so worked for us from this date until that date and was found to be 'satisfactory' ". That is the kiss of death. And the former employer has covered themselves, because they said - in print - the employee had been 'satisfactory'.
Fezziwig
You should start with contacting your local Department of Labor who may be able to help you start a complaint.
There is no penalty. No law compels former employers to answer.