Question Details: Employee #1 was fired because someone smoked in the restroom , employee #2 walked in after he left restroom and they went and told supervisor the restroom smelled like cigarette smoke. They reviewed the surveillance camera and saw employee #1 coming out before he entered. Employee #1 was fired and his Unemployment was denied. “ Misconduct” During fact finding interview statement from employer: Length of employment 6 months. Employee admitted he was a smoker of tobacco Employee was observed coming out of restroom (surveillance camera), shortly after another employee enters and smells toba
Most employment relationships are what is known as "at will". This means that you can work for an employer, or not, your choice. In turn, the employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason whatsoever.
The only exceptions to this are: 1) If there is an employment agreement or contract (which governs termination); 2) If there is a union or collective bargaining agreement (which governs termination); 3) If there is an employee handbook or other official policy statement (which governs termination); 4) If discrimination is a factor (there can be no termination for reasons of race, religion, age, disability, sex, national origin).

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