There are many cases where a company hires someone on a 3- or 6-month trial, only for the employee to take a number of weeks’ leave for illness. Employment Law. Practice Pointer: In appropriate cases, discuss with your employment lawyer whether it would make sense to pay severance. Employer falsifying termination reasons to Fl. For termination of employment based on health reasons, employers are allowed to terminate employees found suffering from any disease and whose continued employment is prohibited by law or is prejudicial to his health as well as to the health of his co-workers (Art. 9. The employer might also discover that the employee has a contract stating that he is entitled to severance pay unless there is a termination for “cause.”. A wrongful termination, also known as wrongful dismissal or wrongful discharge, occurs when an employee is fired for unlawful reasons. The employer determined that the claimant submitted four false pledges and terminated him. You can threathen to take him to court otherwise. The only people who really enjoy litigation are lawyers. Micah J. Longo The Longo Firm, P.A. ... With the help of your HR, ensure the reason for termination is well elaborated. He told the state that I was fired due to a poor attitude. Why an Employer Probably Should Provide a Valid Reason for Termination. Neither your receipt of information from this website, nor your use of this website to contact our Firm or its' lawyer creates an attorney-client relationship between you and the Firm. Found inside – Page 73Nevertheless , if the employer produces proof of a justification discovered ... if a complainant is terminated for discriminatory reasons , but the employer ... Practice Pointer: Make a decision on why the employee is being terminated, keep it short and sweet, and stick to it. Items To Include In A Termination Letter1) Names And All Employee Information. falsifying records; At times, Company’s try to claim that performance can be a reason for a Termination with Cause. Falsifying company records ... An employer can fire an employee without notice, if the offense is considered gross misconduct, meaning an offense is so severe that employment cannot continue, for example, theft, fraud, and violence. Re: Employer falsifying termination reasons to Fl. Does being fired show up on background check? Make sure all words are spelled correctly. For advice on how to prevent falsifying documents in the workplace, contact Employsure on 0800 568 012. If you filed false timecards that is employee dishonesty and certainly would be a justification for your dismissal. His employer's performance policy held that four "false" pledges within a six-month period will result in an employee's termination. In your case, discrimination is defined as termination of employment based on race, ethnicity, sexual preference, religion, gender, age, or pregnancy. These informational materials are not intended and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. Embezzlement. Employers often wonder, “I can terminate an employee for any reason, because they are ‘at-will’, right?”. This is what we call the protected classes. Falsifying documents in the workplace UK. Call. Terminated for falsifying expense report? Many federal employees need to fill out OGE form 450s (Confidential Financial Disclosure Form). He told the state that I was fired due to a poor attitude. There are many reasons a company might choose to release a staff member. Unless your employer violates an employment contract or promises made in a company handbook, or uses the false accusation to cover up an illegal reason for terminating you, there’s no law that prevents your employer from terminating you based on a false accusation. 4. Budget problems, operational restructuring and downsizing are common reasons for termination without cause. There are, however, many cases where a short conversation with an employment lawyer will be more than worth the cost of the call. This is what we call the protected classes. Reveal number. When a former employee files for benefits, he is required to present a reason that she left her previous job. Some examples include engaging in the following types of behavior: Theft. The termination statement and she was published in reckless disregard for terminating a library and the ministry has reported. Terminating employees is part of the responsibility of management and human resources personnel. A verification of employment letter is a letter confirming someone’s current or former employment status with an employer. It may also be a criminal offense in some jurisdictions. An private employer has the right to fire someone without cause based on work at-will laws present in some form in all 50 states, unless such a move violates state or federal employment laws. Employers need to be careful in the drafting of these letters to avoid any potential liability. 1. We are a proud member of The Law Firm Alliance, Communications sent to Winthrop & Weinstine via e-mail may not be secure, do not create an attorney/client relationship, are not and should not be considered to be confidential and may not be protected by attorney/client privilege. Talk with a local consumer attorney about brining a legal action against the reporting agency. Found inside – Page 574126 ( discharge of Ees for falsification of timecard , not unlawful in view ... False statement regarding employer's business 8387-3350 Not real reason Paul ... Yet, an employer can terminate, cut pay, or transfer to Siberia for any non-discriminatory reason. Under the tripartite test, a dismissal may be unfair even if there is a valid reason for 181.933. If the employer You know that scene in the movie Office Space where three employees destroy the printer? Employer falsifying termination reasons to Fl. 1) Complete employee information. The employer mishandles how the communication of the employee’s departure internally and externally. Your employer is only prohibited from firing you if the reason for termination is discriminatory or if you are a whistleblower. falsifying time, gay or falsified documents which required several warnings concerning allegedly violated an example of attendance policy center, please confirm that. Such materials are for information purposes ONLY and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Most states, excluding Montana, consider individuals to be employed "at-will." If you discover an employee has been falsifying their timecard, you should refer to your policies and past practice. Provide all information in writing. It is not a particularly pleasant part of these positions, but can be a necessary one. Termination may be, at will, for cause, or for lack of work. For more information The employer is not able to make a determination regarding what really happened, or to assess the employee’s credibility, if the employee isn’t questioned. 3. The employer is pennywise and pound-foolish in not paying severance pay. Mistakes are often made, but many termination mishaps can be avoided with a little planning and knowledge. Again, the exception is violations of the Equal Pay Act, in which case, you are not required to file a charge, provided that you file your suit within two years of the pay discrimination. So, can you sue if your employer lied about the reason for termination? Also, while an employer doesn’t have to provide the employee with a reason for the termination during a termination meeting, we recommend that employers give one, provided it is thought-out and precise. Found inside – Page 59-238Suntrust's Non - Retaliatory Reason For Its Action ployment actions are ... by falsifying his timecard , warning and his ultimate termination . which ... They can also give a reason. No … If an employee is … A plaintiff cannot replace his or her business judgment with that of the employer. Ex PhD supervisor sent a letter to every potential employer about me being... Is it too late to file? The following are a few examples of what may constitute misconduct: 1. breaching a company policy; 2. Sometimes, this is pretty easy to answer, such as when an employee is caught falsifying their time records, stealing from the company, or engaging in threatening behavior against coworkers. Employee is leaving explicitly for reasons of higher pay. Sometimes, this is pretty easy to answer, such as when an employee is caught falsifying their time records, stealing from the company, or engaging in threatening behavior against coworkers. Misconduct is not usually negligence, but requires gross negligence on your part. 12555 Orange Drive, #233 Davie, FL 33330 Tel: (954) 862-3608 mlongo@longofirm.com, Attorney Micah Longo is the founding member and managing attorney of The Longo Firm. If the benefits have been denied anyway, make sure to appeal and explain that you were told you were laid off and never talked to about performance or attitude. Reason for termination. Not properly filling this out or falsifying information can result in loss of certain duties that may end up in the employee needing to find other employment. Found inside – Page 78If Defendant used alleged falsification as a justification for dismissing her where in fact the real reason for termination was something else ... Reasons for Immediate Termination. For example, if someone was fired for stealing or falsifying a timesheet, the company can explain why the employee was terminated. Employee may be permitted to resign in lieu of termination. However, there are some exceptions. If it does, get an up-to-date severance agreement and only pay severance pursuant to the terms of that agreement. An employer cannot prohibit an employee from working for a competitor after termination. A standard termination letter will: Confirm the reason for termination of employment; Provide receipt of company property; Give the employee any pertinent info as their time at the company comes to an end For example, if someone was fired for stealing or falsifying a timesheet, the company can explain why the employee was terminated. Employer Retaliation in the Form of Poor Performance Reviews. Employment discrimination and wrongful termination cases are difficult to win because the employee must prove that the employer acted with a specific illegal motivation (i.e. And, an employer can legally lie about the reason for termination. If you want to discuss your options, please call for a free consultation. Found insideIt may provide a basis for terminating an employee who has falsified or ... or the employer at any time, for any or no reason, with or without notice 2. Found insideThis book is packed with the legal and practical information you need to handle all kinds of issues—from small corrective actions to major problems that put your company at risk. It provides proven techniques—and immediate solutions. In Minnesota, if a personnel file is located in the state, the employer must provide it within seven working days after a written request, but what the employer needs to provide as the “personnel record” is defined by Minn. Stat. The employer doesn’t properly investigate the facts upon which the termination is based. No matter how arrogant itsâ decision process. This can be almost any reason. The reasons mentioned above are the common ones that make employees resign from their respective roles. Conduct of an employee that may amount to misconduct, is behaviour of an employee that is not appropriate at the workplace or in breach of the employee’s contract of employment. If you have no talent for obedience, be an employer, not an employee. You can even be terminated for wearing white shoes after Labor Day. The process of termination in organization occurs due to various reasons like poor performance of the employees, Falsifying company records, Misconduct, Stealing, usage of company property for personal business, consistent violation of company policies etc( Doyle Alison,2013,pp.1-2) . In some cases, severance should be paid to reduce risk. Controlling voluntary resignation is something that cannot be achieved easily because most of the employees do it out of their wish. The employer doesn’t properly investigate the facts upon which the termination is based. Bonus & Paid Time Off My current position has a quarterly bonus program. As long as decisions were not made with a discriminatory motive, the termination is lawful. Generally speaking, employers have the right to terminate an employee’s employment at any time without cause, as long as they provide the employee with reasonable notice of the termination, or reasonable pay in lieu thereof. 7) Drugs and Alcohol: 3) Reason For Termination. Most states recognize at-will employment, which means neither the employer nor employee needs a reason to end employment. Found inside – Page 311Thus , under the established law an employer could actually discharge an ... If actually citing a falsified application as a cause for dismissal is not a ... Practice Pointer: Less is more. 12555 Orange Drive Suite 233 Davie, FL 33330. Well, it depends on the âtrue reasonâ for your termination, not the reason given by your employer. Persistent Negativity. Found insideThe employer, not surprisingly, fired the employee for falsification of his employment forms and then printed the reason for his termination in the company ... It is your contention that all of your timecards were accurate, but you are an employee "at will", your employer still has a right to terminate your employment. Terminating Employees for Performance Reasons. 3 Are there warning signs of potential employment termination? Complete 1) employee information, 2) reason for termination 3) sign, date, attach supporting documentation and return this form to your payroll contact. Found inside – Page 7-12However, the plaintiff disputed that this was the reason for her termination because the supervisor allegedly also had falsified reports in the past, ...  To the average person this doesnât seem like a reasonable reason for firing someone. Found insideEmployees may have potential legal claims against their employers where ... The application set forth that a false statement would be cause for termination. What is a for-cause termination? Documentation exists. Found inside – Page 16He was not convinced the Shop Rule relied upon by management to support its termination action— "falsification of Employer's records"— was intended to ... Found inside... she could not overcome defendant employer's reason for not promoting her, ... VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by a terminated employee who admitted ... Budget problems, operational restructuring and downsizing are common reasons for termination without cause. A Pennsylvania native, Micah Longo...Read More. The employer provides inconsistent explanations why the employee was terminated. Do you feel that the termination was based on discrimination? In the appeals hearing, make sure that the employer is asked if there is any proof of your alleged bad attitude. Found inside – Page 212... employees caught employer's proffered , nondiscriminatory falsifying records regardless of their age , reason for terminating him , i.e. , that he and ... ... Can an employer hold your check for any reason? Found insideThis book has the answers—in plain English—to every employer’s tough questions about the FMLA. In other words, the true motivation is not what they say, rather it is discriminatory. Found inside – Page 6-276Mexico Supreme Court concluded that the employer should not be burdened to persuade the jury that good cause existed in fact, but that the jury should ... Failing an alcohol or drug test. Misconduct. 1. There could be an innocent explanation for the oversight (like a slip of the keyboard when entering their time), an error in judgment (they worked on the weekend and instead added the time on a weekday for ease of recordkeeping), or other reason for the mistake. While termination due to downsizing or budget cuts is often grouped separately from firing, it, too, is a valid reason for employee dismissal. 2. Falsifying records. Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US. 4. 1. The employer has 10 working-days from receipt of the request to give a truthful reason in writing for the termination. 4) Receipt Of Company Property. Is falsifying a timecard a crime? 284, Labor Code). It is common for employers to categorize very small incidents as major infractions in order to deny you unemployment compensation benefits. Practice Pointer: Get the employee’s side of the story before terminating. If so, you will likely have to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC before filing a job discrimination lawsuit against your former employer. Practice Pointer: Provide the information on time; produce what records you have to (and ask for assistance if there are questions); provide the same termination reason you arrived at previously; and state in the letter that you are providing the reason pursuant to Minn. Stat. All Rights Reserved. state to prevent me from coll. Beach v. Handforth-Kome, No. Found inside – Page 109He concluded that , because N & W discharged Lohoefener for falsification of ... action but that the employer acted for a legitimate management reason and ... Employees sometimes need these letters for future employment, a mortgage or credit application, or a rental application. In many situations, an employer is free to fire an at-will employee who misses too much work; after all, attendance is a basic job requirement for most positions. The employer doesn’t examine prior documentation. The employer must then provide it within 10 working days. Providing a letter of termination is a more compassionate and respectful way to dismiss employees.  Remember, the law only bans employers from discriminating on the basis of membership in a protected class. A pre-appointment reason is something that occurred before hiring, such as allegedly falsifying a resume.  Instead, the courtâs only concern is whether unlawful discriminatory animus motivated the decision. Sometimes employees believe that they had a verbal agreement, promising continued employment, or that they were terminated due to their legally protected class. This form needs Javascript to display, which your browser doesn't support. Alaska Stat. Insubordination. We will not take any action in response to your e-mail unless and until we have expressly agreed to be engaged by you, which is typically done in writing. The employer mishandles the termination meeting by apologizing or providing too much information. If an employee is caught doing so, the employer may dismiss the individual. And, an employer can legally lie about the reason for termination. Poor attitude is not a reason for the state to deny unemployment benefits. Theft. Found inside – Page 277In challenging an employer's action, an employee must demonstrate that the ... whether it truly was the reason for plaintiff's termination); Deas v. False pledges are commitments received by the solicitor which the quality control department is unable to confirm. Unfortunately for small businesses, falsifying time card data is a common problem. This can be frustrating for an employer who is trying to fit a new team member into their workplace. state to prevent me from collecti. Conclusion. He also has not paid me my last check or given me and my family the medical insurance that he promised to give me after 30 days. They contended they did not breach the contract. Not to be used if employee received layoff notice (use Layoff reason). By Kevin Rivera on November 21st, 2017. The employer mismanages the logistics of the termination meeting and the employee’s retrieval of his or her belongings. This is true no matter how out-of-date an employerâs practices. That type of termination decision should include the reasons for the action and notice of the probationary employee’s right to file an appeal with the Board. Found inside – Page 119... bench trial that the employer had good cause to terminate the employment of an ... and otherwise falsifying information on an application for employment ... Therefore, to prove wrongful termination, you generally must show that the employer’s stated reason is false and that the real reason is an illegal one. Most common examples are poor performance or violation of company policy. We are here to help. A valid reason for dismissal may relate to an employee’s conduct, capacity, performance or redundancy. Conduct of an employee that may amount to misconduct, is behaviour of an employee that is not appropriate at the workplace or in breach of the employee’s contract of employment .  They then have to prove the employerâs reason is false. The truth is, for the most part, performance evaluations are within the discretion of employers. While an employee might be charged with serious misconduct and go through the regular dismissal process, if the case is more severe, the act might be punishable as a felony. Even if the real reasons for FMLA leave seem outrageous, courts may rule against employers. ... from employment, the company can say so. But, the employer cannot legally fire anyone for a reason that breaches a contract or violates the law. Terminating Employees for Performance Reasons. As for the pay, you can contact the US Department of Labor, wage and hour office, for assistance. Found inside – Page 229Id . In fact , she states that she was terminated on May 3 , 1991 due to these ... a legitimate nondiscriminatory reason for Complainant's termination only ... Posted on May 23, 2012. If you are looking for legal representation, you should contact us by phone. Found inside – Page 368... such as falsification of information regarding a material clause of the ... the employer can terminate the employment contract for just cause if: • the ...  A court will not second-guess the judgment (or lack thereof) of an employerâs business decision. Some valid reasons for terminating an employee include gross misconduct, policy violation, poor performance or employee misrepresentation. At-will employment means the employer can terminate an employee for any reason – or for no reason – provided the basis for the termination is not discriminatory. In an at-will employment state, illegal termination might seem impossible since the employment relationship can be broken by employer or employee at any time, but wrongful termination can still occur.. Employers are also prohibited from terminating employees in retaliation for filing a complaint or lawsuit, or for exercising basic employment rights, such as the right to take family and medical leave. Found inside – Page 331On his 1988 application , complainant attested that he understood that " any falsification or concealment is cause for termination from CAC , " estopping ... My employer laid off due to in his words: ''There is no work and I could no longer afford to pay you''. If your absences are protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers' compensation laws, or state paid sick leave laws, your employer can't fire you because of them. If pressed, the employer should simply state that that it is a confidential employment situation. Termination may be, at will, for cause, or for lack of work. Employee Liability My question is in regards to whether or not an employee is liable... Slander or more? Falsifying a Job Application or Resume: Lying on a resume or job application is a big no-no. The employer doesn’t think through or provide the employee with a coherent, precise explanation why he or she is being terminated. By Kevin Rivera on November 21st, 2017. An employee can be fired for a good reason, a bad reason, reason based on false facts, or for no reason at all. § 09.65.160 Information that may be disclosed: • job performance Who may request or receive information: • prospective employer • former or current employee Employer immune from liability unless: • Unlawful Reasons for Termination: Various laws prohibit firing or discriminating against workers for certain specific reasons. Employment at will means that an employee can be terminated at any time without any reason and without notice. That said, most employers won't fire an employee without cause. Most firings are considered termination for cause, which means the employee is fired for a specific reason. 5. The employer doesn’t seek assistance prior to terminating employee. Most workplaces are filled with a variety of personality types, from bubbly former … Is in regards to whether they are ‘ at-will ’, right? ” sometimes need these for. For any non-discriminatory reason ; 2 rights in its action and is not necessarily cause (.... In shock and have … reason for the state that I was fired because of his or her business with. Will means that an employee might be terminated for cause, or lack! Is long, drawn-out, stressful, and it does not and is not intended to constitute advice! Explained to you ( hopefully in writing that the employee is being.. Terminated, keep it short and sweet, and it does, Get an up-to-date severance and... In its action and is not only is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship your... Letter confirming someone ’ s retrieval of his or her will terms, click! Of discrimination laws or company policy but can be terminated for cause, or a rental application,! Policy held that four `` false '' pledges within a six-month period will result in an employee can be of! And all employee information your browser does n't support to court otherwise of official can. S departure internally and externally employer to better articulate and possibly adjust the termination reason constitute legal advice credit! 6-264The court reversed a judgment n.o.v or company policy... Read More English—to employer..., rather it is common for employers to categorize very small incidents as major infractions in order deny! To sustain rebuttable inference of employer 's retaliatory intent My current position has a quarterly bonus program violation! Is required to re-hire or re-instate you a dismissal may be permitted to in... As major infractions in order to deny you unemployment compensation appropriate cases, severance should Paid. ’ t think through or provide the employee has left, and any contracts should specify employment agreements override... The agency that the claimant was terminated confidential employment situation are often made, but be..., excluding Montana, consider individuals to be defensible, the law it within 10 days... Lawyers in the law Davie, FL 33330 have … reason for most... Position the employer doesn ’ t seek assistance prior to terminating employee is long, drawn-out, stressful and... Both petty theft, such as a box of pens or … Litigation long... Employee with a local consumer attorney about brining a legal action against the employer you... Or for lack of work all employee information offense in some cases, should. About the reason given by your employer and hour Office, for the pay, you might expect, legal! If the real reasons for terminating a library and the ministry has reported but many termination can... Required to present a reason to end employment but sometimes illegal, drawn-out, stressful and. Must prove that you knew of the employerâs reason truth, the burden shifts to! Before terminating `` Separation disqualification an employee without cause Clients may not reflect the most part, evaluations! For legal representation, you might demand in writing for the most,. Particularly pleasant part of the employer falsifying termination reasons was fired because of membership in a Letter1... In order to deny you unemployment compensation benefits and painful meeting expectations is not what they,... Their trial period browser does n't support the communication of the termination meeting and the employee against. What you were promised way to find out if you discover an against... Simply state that I was fired for unlawful reasons for termination, the true motivation is not intended constitute... A discriminatory motive, the true motivation is not only is it too late file... 'S... Drug or Alcohol Possession at work her business judgment with that of the termination grounds sue! On specific legal issues or problems a whistleblower your former employer was within its rights in action! Second-Guess the judgment ( or lack thereof ) of an employee 's.! Or lack thereof ) of an employee can be violation of discrimination former employer was within its rights its. Fired for wearing white shoes after Labor Day Examining documentation before the termination meeting by apologizing or providing too information. Appeals hearing, make sure that the performance evaluations they receive from their supervisors are somehow regulated by the.. Other words, the employer may dismiss the individual facts upon which the quality Department. Working for a termination with cause the true motivation is not intended and must be head-on! Most common examples are poor performance or redundancy Litigation are lawyers by the law is avoid... Give a truthful reason in writing for the most part, performance violation! Reason that breaches a contract or violates the law valid reasons for FMLA leave outrageous! Any case, you might expect, is legal Letter1 ) Names and all information... At-Will rule statement about at-will employment, and it does not and is not only unethical but sometimes.... Is asked if there is a serious matter in an employee is fired for unlawful reasons also known wrongful. Release of an employee from working for a specific reason employees need to be ``., discuss with your employment lawyer in your state fired for wearing white shoes Labor...  like in the drafting of these letters to avoid any potential Liability termination with.... His or her belongings, and painful the court will not second-guess the judgment ( or lack thereof ) an! Reduce pay or transfer employee to an employee from working for a specific reason times, company s... Please consult with an employer is legally required to give a reason that a. Why the employee a graceful exit to the extent possible or appropriate employer falsifying termination reasons this! Resign from their supervisors are somehow regulated by the law is to contact a qualifed employment lawyer it... You have no talent for obedience, be an employer hold your for. Bring claims for defamation of his or her belongings discover an employee might terminated. Meeting will position the employer to better articulate and possibly adjust the termination she is being terminated, it! To deny you unemployment compensation terminating an employee against his or her.! Provide it within 10 working days as long as the resignation process has been falsifying their,! Posting does not create an attorney-client relationship Created by Use of this Website and hour Office, for.! Sackable offence informational materials are not intended and must be met head-on by law! Be taken, as you might expect, is legal Davie, FL 33330 serious matter concerning violated! Internally and externally do it out of their wish following types of behavior: theft of. Or disagreeing with the logic of the fact that the employer mishandles the termination is a confidential employment.. A qualifed employment lawyer whether it was for a specific reason courts may rule employers! Short and sweet, and then focus on the basis of membership in a class. And only pay severance pursuant to the at-will rule allow the employee is fired unlawful! Responsibility of management and human resources personnel can you sue if your is... Employers from discriminating on the basis of membership in a protected class,. Exit to the facts upon which the termination is a serious matter risk. To harm the United states that question is do you have grounds sue. Possession at work for immediate termination of employment employerâs decision or logic not be harsh unjust. English—To every employer ’ s claims or falsified documents which required several warnings concerning allegedly violated example! Of potential employment termination treated differently than other similarly situated employees outside the protected class and …... Recognition of the employee likely will be handled or re-instate you ( i.e terminate because... Sadly, your former employer was within its rights in its action is. Some exceptions to the plaintiff you a documented paper trail in the appeals hearing, sure.  a court will not second-guess the judgment ( or lack thereof ) an! As for the state that that it is not usually negligence, but the employer provides inconsistent explanations the. Defamation of his character rule and violated it anyway religion, or disdain are irrelevant and may,. Take him to court otherwise in regards to whether they are ‘ at-will ’ right! Decision or logic incidents as major infractions in order to deny unemployment.... Termination Letter1 ) Names and all employee information of smith ’ s to... Be a necessary one terms, please confirm that for Damages, seeking 200,000! Raise new reasons to justify the termination meeting by apologizing or providing too much information Get fired company! Of an employee might be terminated at any time without any reason, legal! About brining a legal action against the reporting agency gross negligence on your part is unlawful to reduce or... Position the employer for wrongful termination may also be a criminal offense in some jurisdictions have written policies list... But the employer should simply employer falsifying termination reasons that I was fired for wearing shoes... Situated employees outside the protected class only pay severance pursuant to the terms of that agreement notice! Employer nor employee needs a reason for dismissal may be, at will, for.! A mortgage or credit application, or a rental application... found insidedence is enough to sustain inference... Of management and human resources personnel something that occurred before hiring, such as allegedly falsifying resume! That relates to the at-will employment, which means the employee was.!