Messy Job Exit Questions

I reside in the state of Wisconsin.

On Wednesday 23 May, I accepted a job at a local restaurant. I was currently employed at another restaurant in the area. Due to the nature of the area and type of work, I was given short notice to when I was to start my new job, Tuesday 29 May.

I had Thursday 24 May off my current job. On Friday 25 May, I submitted a short note stating that my final day of availability would be Monday 28 May.

To say this confrontation with my boss was unpleasant and messy would be an understatement. He commented that he would drop my pay to minimum wage because I didn't give 2 weeks notice. I questioned the legality of that with him, and he said it was in my handbook. I advised him that I'd never received a handbook, and had no information on such a policy.

He then stated he'd call my new employer to tell them "what a great guy [i] am". He was increasingly irate at this point, and while I personally questioned the legality of such actions, I didn't pursue it with him.

As I said, it was not a pleasant exchange, and I tried very hard to keep a level head during it. He then terminated me on the spot, I don't think he was expecting someone he couldn't bully.

My question is should his 2 threats (docking my pay to minimum wage without a contract on the matter, and contacting my new employer to defame me) worry me? What should I do if he carries through on either of them? Would I have any legal footing should it come to that (this conversation took place in a rather public place with other employees around)?

I am not one to pursue a court case if it can be avoided. If he does not follow through on his threats, I am more than willing to let the matter drop for good (others saw his actions, and are intelligent enough to make up their own minds on weather to continue employment in such an environment). I'm simply looking for suggestions on where to go and what to do should push come to shove; I prefer to be well informed.

On a final question, would I be elegable for Unemployment Insurance pay, as I was terminated before my final day of availability? I usually pick up most of my hours on weekends, so my final check will be VERY lean without it.

You are not eligible for unemployment insurance as he can fire you at any time once you give notice. But he cannot reduce your pay and you may report him to the department of labor if he tries.