If I recieve a written warning at work,do I have to sign it?

Question

I'M BEING ASKED TO SIGN A WRITTEN WARNING THAT IS FAR TO SEVERE FOR THE SITUATION.

Answer 1

Just like a citation by law enforcement, it does not mean you agree or plead guilty.
It just acknowledges that you received it.
No, you are not required to sign it.
Like all things, your signature belongs to you, and you have the right to not give anyone anything that can be used against you.
I doubt that there is a company policy that states that if you do not sign, that you will be relieved of duty.
That would mean that unless you give up your right to relinquish something personal, without benefit of due process, you can be disciplined.
Not only in the court system, but personal life, we have the right to keep anything personal, personal.
Good luck.

Answer 2

Written Warning At Work

Answer 3

I don't know what you mean be "too severe" Do you mean there are factual errors in the warning regarding your behavior or otherwise unfair? If so, you should be allowed to make a statement of your version of the story -- and/or given the opportunity to sign a statement that says something like I have read this warning but do not agree with the contents or you could refuse to sign -- but they will then write on the file copy of the warning that "employee refused to sign".

You better think long and hard about the validity of the warning and make sure you are not just reacting defensively to receiving a warning. You have an obligation to address legitimate issues with your job performance -- so any statements you make that can be refuted will count against you and if you refuse to sign, that can be used against you as evidence of your unwillingness to address a performance issue. You are already on the road to termination...do you really want to go further down that road?

Answer 4

Your signature only indicates that you are aware and acknowledge a warning.

No one can use "torture" to force you to sign,
but it will still be entered on your employment record.
In today's society, these things are done to prevent law suits. The country has become one of litigation, we have to admit.

If you honestly feel that it is unjustified, your job may be in jeopardy. Your future work will be scrutinized beyond the norm.
I'd suggest that you correct the infraction, and start looking elsewhere. Improve your performance during that process.

Bear in mind that employers today are extremely cautious when replying to applications for employment.

They refrain from actually giving a "Bad" reference. When a request is made, it's rarely done. The best that a prospective employer may receive is a reply of "No", when asked if one would hire him/her back. Neither an explanation is requested nor would an answer be received.
That "No" says it all, without any legal ramifications.


Even reporting theft will not be forthcoming and cannot be reported, Unless, the theft was prosecuted.

Answer 5

You need to look at your company handbook, specifically all policies and procedures for your workplace, to determine the answer.

In most cases, you are only asked to sign that you have read the warning, not that you agree with it, but check before you sign.

Important: Determine what appeal rights you have and/or if you have a right to a hearing.

You may want to consult with a lawyer. Many offer free initial consultations.

Answer 6

First, yes, you do - It's like a ticket - you're signing that you have received it, and that you're aware of it, not that you agree. Theoretically you could add a rebuttal, but it's probably not worth the trouble.

The real solution here is to make a choice: either play by the rules of the place you work or find another job. These are the only choices you have. Whether you think the warning was warranted or not is not important to the process or your job. Either start complying with all the rules or get another job - the only other path is to ignore this learnign opportunity and find yourself fired with a bad job reference.

Ultimately, it's time to grow up and act mature.

Answer 7

no you do not have to sign it
but you are probally on your way out and they are merely documenting as much as possible before terminating you, as it's their legal right to do, as most states now a days are at will, meaning you can quit with any notice or reason and they can fire you without notice or reason ( so as long as you are not in a protected class ), you do not have a right to stay forever employed by any one company, and if you are the disruptive type, no one will hire and keep you for long anyways. i find that most people i see fired have it coming and it's usually due to poor work attitudes, sure thy are polite in the interviews.. but it usalyl come out after the 90 day period that so many companies use as the trial period, during which you really have very few rights at all, after that a you have some rights.

Answer 8

Hard hats Safety Glasses and Steel Toes Must Be Worn Beyond This Point

Answer 9

You do not have to sign anything, ever, but you should be prepared to accept certain consequences for refusing to sign. If it is merely an acknowledgment that you have received a copy or that you have read it, go ahead and sign it. If it is an attempt to force you to agree with their assessment, and you do not, do not sign it, although you may be fired for refusing.

Answer 10

Well, they are building a case against you to eventually get rid of you. These are the preliminary steps to protect themselves in case you sue them for wrongful dismissal.

You are down the slippery slope anyway. So, you contest it. Tell them you do not agree with the contents of the paper. If they still insist, put down your points on the same sheet (be careful, you may sue them later and it will stand up in court) - attach separate sheet if necessary - and sign.

Protect yourself.

Start looking for another job. You are out the door sooner than you think. It is easier to get another job while you are still employed.