Can they do this?
I'm working as a contractor for Company B.
Backstory: I was submitted and interviewed for a contracting gig through Company B in July, but heard nothing back. So in September I had took the position with Company A. In October, up pops Company B - offering me a shit-ton of money more, paid vacation and benefits if I took the position they had submitted me for. I had all kinds of bad feelings about doing so - something didn't seem right - but I accepted, gave notice, followed the standard drill and started at Company B. Company A was very gracious and told me if it didn't work out, they would love to have me back.
This job is a disaster. The department is a mess, the position is ill-defined, there is no management and people are bailing like it's the Titanic. I've had ongoing communication with Company B to let them know that I would REALLY like a different assignment. They've been ambivalent.
Last week Company A calls me out of the blue: they have a position they would like to submit my resume for, would I consider coming back? Of course! 2 days later I get a call that the hiring manager would like a phone interview. That goes well, and on Friday they request an in-person interview for today.
First thing this morning, I get an email from Company A saying that the hiring manager is cancelling the interview because he talked to Company B who told him I am 'unstable', a 'job hopper' and 'probably moving out of the area before the year is out'. (ALL LIES!)
Can they DO that? Is there anything I can do so they don't do that everytime I try to leave????
OMFG I am FUMING!!!!! 
= new reply since forum marked as read
... and I am going to tell him that I have the email (which I do) from the interviewer stating what Company B's recruiter told them (the lies, in detail) and that I want them to contact the interviewer and cc: me TELLING THE TRUTH (ie - "we kneecapped her because we want to keep the commission/fees she brings in, not because she's any of those things"
and I want an apology and a guarantee that I will get a GOOD reference WHEN (not if) I leave.
I could bury him in emails from that recruiter dating back to last summer - plying me away from Company A, promising me the moon, and my emails to him starting in November stating that this assignment is not a good fit & can I please be re-assigned.
We'll see what happens.
