Wrongful termination

What is the name of your state? North Carolina

I was terminated from my job for inadvertantly opening a powerpoint file that contained basically what and where's of the future plans for our business unit. I had open access to this file as there were no limits imposed by the IT department or any attempt made by the person who wrote the presentation by password protecting it. I was asked about why I had opened the file and notified them that I had been looking for a interplant application which is also kept on the network. Current company policy (and I have the policy manual) states actions taken against persons for misuse of email and appropriate materials being viewed for those with internet access, neither of which relates to the supposed violation. I was given the strong impression that the major concern was the possibility I may have been stealing company information for my own personal gains. One only has to look at my finances and see I have not gained from knowing anything that may have been in this file and is absolute ludicrous. WE have no "at-will" relationship stated in the policy manual and would like to know what my rights are.

"WE have no "at-will" relationship stated in the policy manual and would like to know what my rights are."

I have no idea what you are claiming re: the 'at will' statement, but you ARE an at will employee by state law. This means that the employer can fire (or hire) you for ANY reason other than discriminatory practices. They do NOT need a reason. Simply, you have no rights regarding this termination.

In the absence of an employment contract, you are by default an "at will" employee. You can be lawfully terminated for the reasons you describe.