Q: Fired from banking job for alleged phone recording, considering lawsuit. Legal options?
I was recently fired from my banking job for allegedly recording with my cellphone, which I was not doing. I adjusted camera settings during a break in a secluded room with no company equipment. There was no prior warning, and I wasn't shown any evidence supporting the claim of recording. The workplace has no posted or signed cellphone policy, and I observed other employees using their phones and even watching movies. I have not yet discussed the termination with HR but am considering a lawsuit. Given these circumstances, what legal options do I have, and how should I proceed?
A: As Florida is an employment at will state, these facts do not show any potential violation of a law or your legal rights by this employer terminating your employment. It makes no difference whether the company was wrong, or the decision is not fair. But your initial instinct is the best...contact HR, explain your position and your value to the company and see if there is some room for reconsideration, or even a lesser sanction other than termination.
Terrence H Thorgaard agrees with this answer
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