Q: Can I be fired for discussing coworker's rights under labor laws in Missouri?
Can my employer fire me for telling a coworker about their rights under labor laws after a discussion about pay issues? My coworker was having issues with their pay being messed up by our supervisor. During this discussion, I mentioned that my coworker should look into labor laws as they have rights. My supervisor overheard this conversation, started screaming at me, and told me, "you're done, get out of here." There are no company policies against discussing labor laws, and this occurred during working hours with no prior incidents or warnings.
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A:
In Missouri, as well as under federal law, employees are generally protected from retaliation when discussing labor laws or their rights. This includes discussing pay issues or informing coworkers about their legal rights. If you were fired for discussing labor laws, this could be considered retaliation, which is illegal, especially if it was related to a protected activity, such as discussing wages.
Since there are no company policies against discussing labor laws and no prior issues, you may have grounds to challenge the termination. You should document the conversation and any details surrounding the incident, including what was said by your supervisor and your coworker. If possible, try to gather any evidence that supports your claim.
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or Missouri's labor department if you believe you were wrongfully terminated for discussing labor rights. They can help you understand your options and determine if you have a valid claim for unlawful termination.
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