Can I be fired for the same thing someone else got a slap on the wrist for earlier?
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Can I be fired for the same thing someone else got a slap on the wrist for earlier?
I rigged an ink pump open and forgot it causing downtime and a mess. I was sent home and called in for investigation. They said I bypassed a safety valve. That same spring valve is open on every other press in the building and I was never told or checked off in training that it was a safety feature. Also, a guy did the same exact thing a few weeks earlier and wasn’t even written up. I never had done anything that requires a write-up or any action against me.
Asked on August 29, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Do the facts of your firing violate the terms of an employment contract or union agreement? Is your disharge the result of some form of legally actionable discrimination (i.e. is based on your race, religion, gender, age (over 40), disability, nationality, etc.)? If so then you have a claim; if not then you don't. The fact is that most work relationships are "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit.
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