Wrongfully terminated without progressive discipline

I was terminated without notice today, without any form of progressive discipline, for what I consider to be an error in judgement while executing my retail job duties for The Bombay Co. Recently I completed a *very* large retail sale, and in the process of securing it I gave a customer a discounted piece of furniture as part of that sale. The Bombay Co contends this was grounds for dismissal and also contends I lied about why I did it (which gives them greater grounds for the dismissal). Given my staff position (upper) and responsibilities, approval rating with other managers staff and clients (immpeccable) I feel I have been wronged.

Do I have grounds for wrongful dismissal since:

1) Have an immpecable employment record. *Several times I had been asked by *this* company to join their management; and

2 I was never offered any progressive disciplinary actions or options.(Normal recourse is to "write up" individuals first etc.) I was terminated in the course of a private 15 minute conversation "out of the blue" today.
I can provide references as to my work ethic showing I was an employee beyond reproach and always worked in good faith.

Thank-you
A.T.


1 answer  |  asked Mar 15, 2001 8:29 PM [EST]  |  applies to District of Columbia

Answers (1)

Lawrence J. Sherman
Your termination poses several problems

Your termination poses several problems, including potential references and commissions, severance pay and eligibility for unemployment compensation. You would appear to be covered by the Maryland Payment of Wages Statute if you did not receive a commission for this or other sales. This Act has some powerful incentives that favor paying the employee promptly.

I assume that you are employed in Maryland. Do you have an employment contract? Is there a company manual that applied to your status as an employee without unnecessary qualifications? You need to decide on what your objectives and budget for fighting the company. lf you would like an appointment, call me at (202) 785-0384. I am licensed in DC and MD and do
employment and labor law.
posted by Lawrence J. Sherman  |  Feb 21, 2001 3:21 PM [EST]

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