Can I be fired if I did nothing wrong?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can I be fired if I did nothing wrong?
We use AIM messenger for work. During my shift, I had a conversation not work related. It was, however, with another employee. I was working from home, and using my own computer and internet that I pay for. As well, they said I made no sales calls during this time. I was not scheduled for sales calls at all. My work was technically complete for the day, though I was still scheduled to be on the clock. My team lead was aware of the conversation, and never asked me to sign-off. Instead, she was asking me to share the non-work conversation with her. I was terminated for “improper internet use” and “not making any sales”.
Asked on July 1, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I'm afraid that you really don't have any cause of action here for wrongful termination. The fact is that in an "at will" employment situation you can work for an employer or not, your choice. In turn, employer can fire you for any reason or no reason at all; with or without notice.
Essentially, the only way that you would have a valid claim here would be if there was some kind of employment contract, union agreement or company policy contrary to the way in which your employer handled your situation. Also if discrimination was a factor. Otherwise your employer's actions were perfectly legal (although unfair).
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.