Union City, TN asked in Employment Law for Tennessee

Q: I work for the state and a contractor. The contractor refuses to train me.

I work for the state but I work in a department that is ran by a medical contractor. I cant get trained properly because they focus on their own employees. I am frustrated and not sure what to do. I was told by coworkers that since I dont make as much money as they do they have decided not to train me in most areas, My job description is quite lengthy and I am afraid I can be terminated for not knowing my job, The state has a year probation period so I am afraid to bring the issue up as TN is an at-will state, I have a few months left until my probation period is over.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Mr. Kent Thomas Jones
Answered
  • Cleveland, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: Generally speaking, the State of Tennessee is an Employment at Will State. That means that you can get demoted or terminated for virtually any reason at all. The exceptions to this rule are if you are demoted or terminated for an illegal reason or a reason protected by contract. If you have a contract, then read it carefully. Examples of illegal demotion or termination include, but are not limited to: Termination based on race, sex, age or religion, whistleblower violations (turning in a company for illegal practices); termination for turning in a workers' compensation claim; FMLA violations and more. We can give you "general" answers; however, if you are really concerned, then I suggest that you consult with a local employment discrimination law attorney. Typically, most of these cases are done on a contingency basis, so you may only be liable, up front, for costs only or nothing at all.

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