Is it possible to suspend someone for something he/she does on his/her own time?
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Is it possible to suspend someone for something he/she does on his/her own time?
I created multiple accounts on my company’s web site in order to take advantage of a promotion with monetary gain in mind. I admit that it was wrong but I did so within the privacy of my home and within the rules of the promotion. It stated that each account had to be created manually, without the aid of an electronic device, which it was. The person who suspended me stated it was an “unspoken rule” not to create multiple accounts but shouldn’t it be a tad more explicit to be able to suspend someone for it?
Asked on December 17, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Minnesota
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In an "at will" employment relationship an employer can hire/fire, promote/demote, increase/decrease salary/hours and generally set all terms and conditions of the workplace as it sees fit. This includes who, when and why to suspend (even if the employee was off the clock). For their part, an employee can continue to work for an employer or not.
The above holds true unless the employer's action violates the terms of an employment contract or union agreement or runs counter to existing company policy. Additionally, the employee's treatment must not be due to some form of actionable discrimination.
Bottom line, an employer can fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all. So I'd take my lumps if I were you.
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