If I was fired by my employer for taking a couple of wine glasses at a banquet thrown by the chamber of commerce as souvenirs, could this be wrongful termination?

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If I was fired by my employer for taking a couple of wine glasses at a banquet thrown by the chamber of commerce as souvenirs, could this be wrongful termination?

I have been an outstanding employee and was never reprimanded for anything. Just like any other person who has done this at some point and time, I took these as souvenirs.

Asked on January 31, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Arkansas

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

The only important question, unfortunately, is whether you had an employment contract. If you did, you could only be fired in accordance with the terms of that contract.

However, if you did not have a contract, you are an employee at will. As the term implies, an employee at will may be fired at will--at any time, for any reason, such as employer disapproval over you having taken the wine glasses. It does not matter if previously you have been an outstanding employee; your employer would be able to fire you over this, if it chose, in the absence of a contract to the contrary.


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