Update: July 13, 2009
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports Ms. Veronica does not have a case. The system needs to be re-vamped. Our legislative laws need to be revisited. What do you think?
Veronica filed a claim with EEOC. Veronica reports in her own words:
Hello, I am typing this letter in regards to a wrongful termination I experienced on 6/19/2009 while being employed at VPS. This local company address is 329 W. 18th Street, Chicago, IL. 60616 phone number 1-800-918-9100. I was called into Tim Ward (CFO), office along with Kristine Kasuboski (Controller), and Maria Reyes (Human Resources Manager), and terminated, no written or verbal warning was ever presented to myself, and according to Tim Ward (CFO), due to the fact the desk I occupied required a lien/legal person. Never mind the fact that at 10am on 6/19/09, I was called into the office with Kristine Kasuboski (Controller), and Tim Ward (CFO), and he stated in her presence he was getting an attorney to handle the liens across the regions. Which at this point I don't understand, I've made several attempts to discuss this matter professionally with Don Kumorek (CEO), Kristine Kasuboski (Controller), and lastly Tim Ward (CFO). This statement presented a bit of confusion considering David Nolan (Credit/Collections Rep); my predecessor who occupied that desk prior to myself never produced one lien in over 12 months. I produced 105 liens in a less than 3 month period, and paid the first 7 liens out of my personal checking account and saved the company $441,000.00 processing the liens manually personally. Also, if the desk I occupied was specifically a desk for liens, why did I have to personally register VPS at the Cook County Assessors Office and the Cook County Office of Deeds?
Prior to myself accepting the collection position, I applied for the Customer Service Manager position, and was advised that position was placed on hold and their need for a collection person, and I accepted the position, due to the fact in today’s economical state, I desired a full-time job with benefits to maintain my life and responsibilities with a salary of $43,000.00 yearly. Please note I was not only a collector/credit representative. I managed the third-party collection agency, which the department’s previous manager Benjamin Stallworth was supposed to oversee. I worked diligently to reestablish our relationship with the third party collection agency, as well as assisted in the training of the temporary employees.
After being employed there and it was discovered I possessed the skills and was capable of operating in the Lien Specialist/Legal Specialist capacity my responsibilities increased greatly and I was under the impression so would my salary, due to the fact during my initial interview this was discussed. My initial interview was held with Wesly Roe (National Sales Recruiter), Ken Neboska (Regional Operations Coordinator), and Don Kumorek (COO). However, on 5/11/09 via email as well as several other attempts to meet with Don Kumorek (COO), numerous times, regarding my probationary review, this request never manifested. However, this responsibility was passed to Tim Ward (CFO), per our conversation on 5/29/09 in his office at approximately 3:30pm. Tim Ward (CFO) stated during our detailed dialog, he’d spoke with Don Kumorek (COO)), and he was informed my position wasn’t changing nor gaining any additional compensation. It was also emphasized during our conversation several times on various occasions I was a collector and that was the collector’s responsibility to process the liens. I replied in wonderment as to why the other collectors didn’t have this responsibility, and Tim Ward’s (CFO) response was, after I catch up on all the liens and get them to a workable level, I would be responsible for teaching the others how to process their liens, and eventually I would be a regular collector, with like responsibilities. I stated the unfairness of this action and Tim Ward (CFO) stated he’d hire an attorney to handle the legal part of this position, and I continued in the role of a collector as advised by Tim Ward (CFO).
Please note VPS hasn’t processed one lien in over 5 years, I verified this with the Cook County Assessors Office. I tried relentlessly to resolve this matter by adhering to the proper channels. I made mention to Rose Montes (Credit/Collections Rep), acting manager also, considering the fact Benjamin Stallworth resigned by this time, constantly emailed Don Kumorek (COO), without fail to included Kristine Kasuboski (Controller) on the emails and no response was ever communicated. I'd even spoke to Maria Reyes (Human Resources Manager), and everyone would direct me back to Don Kumorek(COO). This alone proves I tried diligently to follow the correct protocol. After being frustrated and harassed on 6/12/09 having Rose Montes (Credit/Collections Rep), approach me @ 4:09pm, regarding teaching her how to process a lien after it was emphasized by Tim Ward (COO), I was a collector, and he was hiring a attorney to alleviate this responsibility from myself. I made the conscience decision after being constantly harassed, to go beyond the Chicago office and email corporate in London, VPS Holdings LTD, Elstree Business Center, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1 RX, Phone number 011 44 20 89 051 234 Fax number 011 44 208 695 9388. Attention: Mark Welch (Group Financial Controller), & Ian Quinlan (CEO), only for the final results to end up in termination. Which lead me to believe I was terminated due to retaliation.
Per Kristine Kasuboski (Controller), I was the ideal employee, always in my seat and a great worker I received the same rapport from our third party collections agency, (Greenberg, Grant, and Richards), as well as the City of Chicago Title and Deed Department. I even initiated starting the VPS accounts with these two important entities. My work ethics were and yet will remain exceptional second to none. Upon being hired I promised Kristine Kasuboski (Controller), she’d never have to worry about me as far as my work performance goes, and to the date of termination this truth yet remained. I would stay late, and remain dedicated and committed to my job and etc. I loved and appreciated my position at VPS. Also, appreciate the fact you all took the time to read/review this email/letter in hopes this practice within VPS doesn't remain the same, however, it would make for a better place to work with integrity and a better culture. Also, the verbal abuse and treating employees as if they're always replaceable without knowing their work ethics or seeing the employee potential nor their worth in demonstration should any longer be allowed. These are actions I know brought Tim Ward (CFO), to his decisions and I bid him well also, as well as everyone else within the VPS organization. Hello again, I’ve received a letter from unemployment today7/7/09 stating my unemployment benefits are denied due to the fact the company discharged me due to misconduct, again where’s the validity in this? This isn’t the reason Tim Ward (CFO), stated in the Midst of Maria Reyes (Human Resources Manager), And Kristine Kasuboski (Controller) another fabrication, he stated on 6/19/09, he was discharging me due to the fact the desk I occupied was a desk specifically for a person to handle the liens, and it wasn’t working out. During my Unemployment Hearing on 7/08/09 at 12:30pm. Please note, I am currently without any source of income; which this damages my livelihood and is just merely unethical and malicious on VPS part, also where’s the truth in this situation? I am currently unemployed, losing a job which I enjoyed, and was operating in the capacity to which I was initially hired to perform, as stated by Kristine Kasuboski (Controller), as well as listed on my initial offer letter.
Sincerely Yours
