Can an employer fire me for not attending an unpaid Christmas party?
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Can an employer fire me for not attending an unpaid Christmas party?
Asked on December 18, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it can. The fact is that an employer can hire and fire as it deems necessary. In an "at will" employment arrangement, an employer has a great deal of discretion in setting the terms and conditions of the workplace and can do so as it sees fit. This includes why to discharge an employee. Legally, an employee may be terminated for this reason, any reason, or no reason at all (with or without notice).
Exceptions to the above would be if this action violated existing company policy, constituted actionable discrimination, or was prohibited by virtue of the terms of an employment contract or union agreement.
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