Employee is looking for reasons to sue us - can we fire her? 08-04-2005

I have a disgruntled employee who has made accusations to other employees that she is looking for reasons to sue us (her employer). This employee is actively looking and states that the only reason she is here is for health care. Is this enough cause to fire?

Rita Risser replies:

As an at-will employee, she can be fired for any reason. However, if she is a long-term employee it is best to have good cause for termination. All employees have a Duty of Loyalty to the employer. She is violating that. I would document the names of the employees who reported her, and exactly what they say she said. She also is creating a disruption in the workplace. I believe that you may have good cause, but check with a local attorney to be sure.

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