Is it lawful for an employer to go against their own company policy to/and terminate somebody?

Question

And if not, is there a viable suit to claim?

...and NO, there weren't any reprimands made leading up to termination. Eventhough the termination paper they wanted me to sign had reasons of termination; but still, there wasn't any form of signed documents of reprimand before just being terminated.

Answer 1

Based on the information you have given, no. An employer can terminate most employees for almost any reason or for no reason at all (there are exceptions, of course.) But generally speaking, if a company violates its own written policies regarding disciplinary action, it can be held liable by the employee for wronful termination.

Answer 2

yes! no! I'll throw in a depends, as well!

What policy?
How long was employee with company?
What position did the employee hold?
Were reprimands issued?
Is there a employee association?
Did the policy change affect the terms of an employees job?

What POps wrote was basically spot on. After reading your added details, I will only add; you are advised NOT to sign any termination documents prior to consulting a lawyer. YOU could be signing away rights to any severence pay to which you may be entitled. (termination document signing is generally only requested by the company if misconduct is involved)

Answer 3

Check in your state of course, but some states, and federal districts have determined that an employee handbook, which supposedly guarantees employment after a certain probationary period, after which you can only be fired "for-cause" in a state that is "at-will" means nothing at all. The employer can still terminate at-will, for any or no reason at all.

Answer 4

Do you have an employment contract? If no, then you are an employee at will, and you can be fired for no reason at all.

If the employee who fired you did so contrary to the company policy, that person can be disciplined by the company, but his act was not illegal.

But even so, is this a company you want to work for?

Answer 5

YES,a company can change policy at any time and terminate you for any reason as long as it doesn't violate a union contract or violate your civil rights

Answer 6

no it is not unlawful, the manager who did it, may get into trouble under company policy. But often company policy also gives fairly wide management choice.

So unless you were fired for race, sex, perhaps sexual orientation and so on, there is little that can be done, unless you had a contract or union agreement.

( based on the very limited info you gave)

Answer 7

YES it is a policy not a law! it is their policy and is subject to change at any time for any reason or no reason at all

Answer 8

Do you live in an "at will" state? If so, they can fire you without notice and you can quit without notice. Capitalism is rough, baby!

Answer 9

Uhhhhh.....dude, thats illegal.