What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MI
Why do companies generally give a verbal, then a written warning before terminating an employee, if most states are "at will"?
As I understand the law, a company can term you at any time, with or without cause. Yet, I have family members in management (Director level and above) at Fortune 500 companies, and they have to go through EXCRUCIATING documentation and process to fire an employee.
I ask this since I was just terminated from a California-based Fortune 500 company with NO verbal warning, no written warning - notta. Just that I (apparently) angered a manager by not doing jumping jacks at a new assignment that would have required 100% travel. I complained about it, and he fired me for it.
(HR got involved, and told me there were would be an investigatory process that included a written summary of what I reportedly did wrong, along with recommendations on next steps - likely a verbal warning and/or coaching. This written summary would be sent to me for review, and I'd have an opportunity to respond. Also, they told me that I could ask for a second HR person to review the situation if I didn't trust her fairness/impartiality. Of course, this never happened - I was terminated without getting the opportunity promised by HR - I never saw a write-up. Never got a chance to respond. So, the promised process was completely ignored..)
I'm guessing I don't have a case legally? Yet, my spouse has had to go through all sorts of documentation - including verbal and MULTIPLE written warnings before she's been able to term employees before.
So, what gives?
Thanks..
PS: I am above 40, and 100% travel is much more difficult / impossible for someone this age who is established in the community, etc. This new assignment would have completely changed my life - I would have never seen my family, been able to conduct life outside of the company, etc. I was also told by the manager who got me whacked "I don't care if you have to travel on a Sunday and miss your daughter's birthday to attend a Monday 7 AM meeting in another city - you WILL be at that meeting, and you will not B*TCH about it". Not sure if that changes anything..
Why do companies generally give a verbal, then a written warning before terminating an employee, if most states are "at will"?
As I understand the law, a company can term you at any time, with or without cause. Yet, I have family members in management (Director level and above) at Fortune 500 companies, and they have to go through EXCRUCIATING documentation and process to fire an employee.
I ask this since I was just terminated from a California-based Fortune 500 company with NO verbal warning, no written warning - notta. Just that I (apparently) angered a manager by not doing jumping jacks at a new assignment that would have required 100% travel. I complained about it, and he fired me for it.
(HR got involved, and told me there were would be an investigatory process that included a written summary of what I reportedly did wrong, along with recommendations on next steps - likely a verbal warning and/or coaching. This written summary would be sent to me for review, and I'd have an opportunity to respond. Also, they told me that I could ask for a second HR person to review the situation if I didn't trust her fairness/impartiality. Of course, this never happened - I was terminated without getting the opportunity promised by HR - I never saw a write-up. Never got a chance to respond. So, the promised process was completely ignored..)
I'm guessing I don't have a case legally? Yet, my spouse has had to go through all sorts of documentation - including verbal and MULTIPLE written warnings before she's been able to term employees before.
So, what gives?
Thanks..
PS: I am above 40, and 100% travel is much more difficult / impossible for someone this age who is established in the community, etc. This new assignment would have completely changed my life - I would have never seen my family, been able to conduct life outside of the company, etc. I was also told by the manager who got me whacked "I don't care if you have to travel on a Sunday and miss your daughter's birthday to attend a Monday 7 AM meeting in another city - you WILL be at that meeting, and you will not B*TCH about it". Not sure if that changes anything..
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