Rehiring of laid off employees (dealership, buy, job, company)

[jaynarie]

First of all- if this thread is in the wrong forum- sorry and please move it

I was laid off in October from a car dealership (I was a receptionist). They laid off all part time employees. It was very unexpected and I was very sad because I loved the people I worked with- they were my family. At that time, I was told that it had nothing to do with performance and that if they brought back PT employees, I would be rehired. They were hoping for that in the spring/summer. I have a letter stating all of that as well.

Well, I knew they hired back one of the other part time employees and made her full time. The other full time person quit. It hurt me that she was called back (I had 2 years in, she had 5 weeks), but I can not work full time. I just found out today that they hired a new part time receptionist 2 weeks ago.
My question is- is this legal? I was laid off and have a letter stating I would be offered a position if it became available. I have not heard from them. The owner is pretty shady, so I am not surprised. I am just curious if they can do that- hire a completely new employee when I have a letter just shy of 4 months old stating I would be rehired if the position became available. Thanks!

[chet everett]

Probably, even with union type situations it is easy to say that the new employee's role, on paper, is different than what you were doing. Really sucks to find out that some employers are liars, but the way to beat 'em is to ignore their pig headedness expect to use it to motivate you to more success. I'll bet if you land a job an save up for a new car it would be really sweet to come back in as shopper then decide to buy at another dealership and swing by with your ride...

[harry chickpea]

Unless you have an employment contract, with both parties signing, you are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the employer can cease the relationship at any time for any reason (except for a few limited statutory exceptions). Almost all part time employees in the private sector are at-will employees. So yes, the hiring of someone else is almost always legal, and the letter was likely intended as much as a "use this with your resume" bonus to help you get hired at a new job. Since the position at that company has been filled, use the letter to find a better position elsewhere, and let this go.