Responding (or not) to a disciplinary memo

[Anonymous]

I wish I could go into all kinds of detail here, but god forbid it shows up in someone's google search...

A relative received a three page long disciplinary memo outlining several "unprofessional" behaviors in the workplace and we are trying to help him out. Is it even appropriate to write a response to this kind of a memo? It outlines the behaviors and then lists several remedial measures to take. The recipient of the letter has drafted a long winded response basically denying the behaviors (allegations without substance) and making excuses, and also added in a bunch of hooey about "what is professionalism?" at the beginning that reads like a 5th grade essay. We're trying to get him to tone down the response, but he's adamant about "the truth." I think it would be better to submit a perfunctory response stating he'll toe the line and stay employed until he finds something else.

Whaddya think?

[Anonymous]

Talk to an labor/employment lawyer on how to respond and tell him to get a new job quickly.

[Anonymous]

Are the unprofessional behaviors strictly related to his work (more objective??) or are they about him and his personality (more subjective/matter of fit with the company culture??)?

[Anonymous]

Labor lawyer here. I would respond but in a professional and succinct manner, refuting the points that are factual untrue and committing to a high standard of performance going forward.

However it sounds like there is merit to the issues?

I would not submit a rambling memo ... That itself might be grounds for termination (assuming he is at will) as it shows poor judgment.