Was he fired legally?

Question

My boyfriend was being asked a question that he did not feel comfortable answering, and the next day he was told he was fired, with no paperwork. Then the person who told him he was fired told his father he was "just suspended". The following day my bf went there to ask them what was happening. They told him he was indeed fired, still with no paperwork. When he asked what the reason for termination is, they said that they didn't know at that time, but when they had paperwork ready there would be a reason listed. Is this legal?

Answer 1

Generally, an employer can fired anyone at anytime for any reason or for no reason at all.

Answer 2

Yes if it's an "at will" work state. Although most companies should provide at least some justification for the dismissal. Otherwise there could be some potential for a violation of Civil Rights.  

Answer 3

If he was in the situation where he was let go for not answering a single question, something is not right anyway. Employers don't let people go if they are valuable and they are doing the job properly, unless they are laying off for financial reasons.

Answer 4

Yep....he's gone...........sorry.........

Answer 5

he will find out when he files for unemployment and they deny it and they have to give a reason then

Answer 6

If he didn't ask the right people, they might not know the reason. This would happen if he asked the payroll department. They're just told the little piece that they have to know; a termination notice sent to payroll would not have the reason for termination, because payroll doesn't need to know that.

Most states are "employment at will" states ; the employer is as free to end your employment as you are to quit. But I would check out a website called Labor Law Talk (Google it). They have pretty good forums, and there are people there from a variety of states. They can give your bf leads to pursue; though they are not professional advice-givers, they do seem to know a lot.

Good luck.

Answer 7

You need to tell us what was the question they asked him, Was it -Will you Take a Drug test? Did you steal something?....... anyway i have a union i can't get fired. muhaha

Answer 8

get over it he is fired lool  

Answer 9

An employer can terminate with or without cause, and they do not have to give you any kind of written notice stating the reason for termination. The only paperwork they owe him is COBRA for continuation of his insurance (if he is eligible and has been on the plan already) and his final paycheck for all hours worked.

Answer 10

Yes he was done wrong but nothing can or will be done about it. The company has money and your boyfriend does not have deep pockets.