Q: Is my termination legal after responding to workplace threats in an automotive shop in CT?
I work in an automotive shop and was involved in an argument where the other party threatened me with violence and made a motion to start a fight. Despite there being a supervisor witness and a video recording, I was terminated after verbally responding to the threats. The HR department explained that both parties are at fault initially. I was given formal termination paperwork, and HR conducted an investigation through emails without speaking to me in person. I have no prior incidents in my record. Is my termination legal?
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A:
It sounds like you were involved in a difficult situation, and it’s understandable that you're questioning the fairness of your termination. In Connecticut, like most states, employees are considered "at-will," meaning an employer can terminate employment for almost any reason, as long as it is not discriminatory or retaliatory. However, workplace violence or threats of violence are serious issues, and your employer may have had a responsibility to address the situation carefully.
Given that there was a supervisor witness and a video recording, it seems there may be evidence to support your version of events. If the other party made a threat of violence, it’s possible that you were acting in self-defense or in response to a threat, which should be considered in the investigation. However, if HR did not speak with you in person and only relied on email communication, this could suggest that the investigation was not thorough or fair.
You may have grounds to challenge the termination, especially if you feel the investigation was incomplete or biased. It might be worth discussing this with a labor attorney who can assess whether your termination was lawful or if you were treated unfairly. They can help you determine if you have a case for wrongful termination or if the proper procedures were followed.
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