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My temp agency heard negative things about me from clients..should i clarify with the clients themselves?

I worked for a temp agency client. I did my best for them, went beyond my duties, and even came in on a weekend to prepare a check for them that was requested late. I was there for more than 1.5 months, and they let me go after that, saying that they didn't need my services anymore. I understand completely. But, they said many negative things about me, none of which are true. They said that I am not a diligent worker, i gave attitude to one of the co-workers, and that i did not adhere to time lines. I am not the type of person who ever does that. I don't recall these instances at all. My agency is a pretty big one (Robert Half) and having my name maligned costs me jobs from Accountemps, Officeteam, and The Creative Group. When i was let go, the president said that they would act as a reference for me. I feel really cheated. They would have to pay others thousands of dollars to have them complete the report that i completed for them. The least that they could have done for me was to give me a neutral review. I want to call up the president and ask him about why the company said these things about me. What should i do? Can i get sued if i call them? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Public Comments

1. well the thing is that when someone calls for references they are not allowed to say anything bad about you. you need to make sure you stop them.
2. I would definatley call and discuss it with them as you dont want your business being tarnished because of them. Be proffessional in your manner and call when you are calm and open to hear their response... you should also tell them that although they are entitled to their opinion that you feel that their comments are untrue and uncalled for and that you could loose alot of clients from this. Be aware that some people may be saying it was them bad mouthing you when it wasnt and simply tell the company that you would be happy to speak highly of them to others if they can do the same. Speak to the president of the company as if you are calling to let him know what people in his company are saying rather than attacking the president. Also... they can sue you for calling them!
3. Shreya, I found a list of temp work resources that can help. http://www.temporaryjobemploymentagencies.com
4. it is important to follow up on this for at least two reasons: 1: by communicating with management, you might improve their view of you and therefore upgrade there references. 2. their perception of your work is so different from yours that it would be instructive and valuable to understand why. was there a single source of data used in your firing; if so, did he/she have an ulterior motive for your removal, or an emotional reaction to you. was there racial or sexual prejudice? was there something in your work that management did not like? (if so, this would help you please the next employer) talking with the company president might be futile; you are already gone and talking to you could not be profitable to him/her. but it might be very useful and is unlikely to cause any harm. i regard it as very remote that you would be subject to a lawsuit. the company that fires someone is much more likely to be the defendant in a lawsuit than the ex-employee. if nothing else, you might find out which client provided the negative report and talk to them to find out what displeased them.