What canI do ifI was terminated for a false harassment charge?
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What canI do ifI was terminated for a false harassment charge?
Charges were filed against me indicating I had a relationship with a co-worker. I was called into the main office; my husband went with me. I was told that I was terminated. The other person involved has not been terminated. All charges are false.
Asked on October 14, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Virginia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately you can be fired for this reason, any reason, or no reason at all. This is known as "at will" employment. Typically, an employer has a great deal of discretion in setting the terms and conditions of employment; this includes terminations. Without an employment contract, union agreement, or company policy to protect you, I'm afraid that you have no legal recourse here. Also, actionable discrimination must not have been as factor in your treatment.
Additionally, as to the other party involved, your co-worker, an employer can treat employees differently; that is not all employees need be treated the same. This is true so long as no form of actionable discrimination plays a role in the differing treatment.
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