Can I get fired for confronting a co-worker?
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Can I get fired for confronting a co-worker?
I am a supervisor of a plastic company and my husband also works there. About 2 months ago I confronted a co-worker about rumors that are going around work saying that they are sleeping together. I went up to her and asked her if I could talk to her in the bathroom because I did not want to talk to her on the floor. I asked her about the rumors and she said that they where not true. However now someone took her cell phone and went to HR and told them what happened. and also said that I stole her phone and they are investigating. Remind you that I’m a supervisor.
Asked on April 9, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
First of all, is there any union or employment contract that would prohibit your employer from taking such action? Is this conduct against company policy? Has it been brought about by some form of workplace discrimination? If not, I'm afraid that you may not have too many rights in this case. In most states (including IL) employment arrangements are what is known as "at will". This means that you can work for an employer or not, your choice. In turn, an employer can hire or fire you for any reason or no reason, as well has increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as they see fit.
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