[RonF]

If what's in the story is true, then this is an outrage. It does sound as though she was fired; that seems to be what the manager told her. I would love to see what the follow-up is. If she files for unemployment, will the unemployment agency investigage what the cause of her firing was? If so, that might help get out the truth of this matter.

[CWOJackson]

Creative excuses are always offered when a person is fired for cause. I don't doubt that she was fired for cause and is latching on to any excuse.

[GeorgiaFreeper]

If what's in the story is true, then this is an outrage.

Why would it be an outrage? AFIK no federal law would be violated.

When I worked at the Coca-Cola corporation in Atlanta we were informed that no Pepsi products would be tolerated at work and a single violation would cause your employment to be terminated. It happened to a co-worker who was stupid enough to order Pizza Hut delivered one night when we worked late. He did not know that Pepsi-co owned it. He was escorted out the next day. Thank goodness I was not hungry that night or I would have been fired as well.

[jess35]

Why would it be an outrage? Do you think that guy runs a business for the benefit of employees?

I fully support the right of an employer to hire or fire whoever they want, whenever they want for whatever reason.

[worrywart]

Alabama is an at-will employment state.
Unless there is an employment contract made between the employer and the employee to the contrary, the employee works at the will of the employer.

In other words, as long as they don't violate any federal discrimination laws, an Alabama boss can fire an employee for any reason and does not have to have a "cause."

When I consulted my attorney when I was planning on letting one of my workers go because she was chronically late, he told me that since Alabama's an at-will state I didn't have to document anything or state a reason -- I could let her go for something as trivial as not liking the color of her dress on any given day.

ww