How at-will employment affects wrongful termination lawsuits

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How at-will employment affects wrongful termination lawsuits

Write a 2-3 page case description of a recent case in the news related to wrongful termination. Describe the case, summarize the primary issues that exist, and include an analysis of whether this is a case of wrongful termination based on what you know and what you have studied.

Introduction

Wrongful termination occurs when employment is terminated for illegal reasons or if company policy is violated when the employee is fired. HR practitioners and members of management need to be informed about how to properly handle the termination process to ensure that the employee\’s rights are not violated, and to ensure that the organization avoids a potentially costly wrongful termination lawsuit.

Generally, most employees are considered to be covered under the contractual “employment at will” relationship (except those covered by a collective bargaining agreement), which means an employer can terminate employment at any time, for any reason. However, wrongful termination can exist if discrimination is involved in the termination decision or if public or company policy is violated during the termination process.

During this assessment, you will explore topics related to termination in the workplace. You will consider what is permissible under the law as a rationale for termination and you will consider termination as it relates to employment at will versus contract relationships. You will also consider the impact of employment at will and the effect it has on an employer\’s liability for wrongful termination.

Use the Capella library and the Internet to find and research a recent case in the news related to wrongful termination. Look for a case that is specifically related to human resources. Try to find the most recent instance of such a case.

Once you complete your research, write a 2–3 page case description in which you complete the following:

  • Describe the case.
  • Summarize the significant issues of the case.
  • Include a detailed discussion of the outcome. Analyze whether this is a case of wrongful termination based on what you have studied for this assessment.

Be sure to address the concept of at-will employment and why or why not it is a factor in this case, along with your supporting rationale.

Additional Requirements

  • Written Communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA Formatting: Resources and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
  • Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced. Use Microsoft Word to complete the assessment.
  • Length: A minimum of two pages, excluding title page and reference page (150–300 words per question).

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

  • Competency 3: Apply the laws and safety issues in the workplace.
    • Describe the case.
    • Summarize the significant issues of the case.
    • Discuss the outcome.
  • Competency 5: Create strategies for recovery from exposure to liabilities.
    • Discuss the concept of at-will employment.
    • Describe how at-will employment affects wrongful termination lawsuits.
  • Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the human resource profession.
    • Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the human resource profession.