Legal Question in Employment Law in Alabama

wrongful termination

I've already read AL businesses do not require a reason to terminate; However, from what I hear, having worked for Wal-Mart (Sam's Club) for 5.5 years. They are also to be adhering to their company policies regarding disciplinary actions. I used an inappropriate word in the workplace; but the situation was created due to compounding conditions and a misunderstanding; which were not considered. Management claims to have been consistent with company policy; but roughly 30 or so other associates and a couple of managers at other locations say it was not handled the same as previous situations. There have been several associates with issues with the same manager and many have even transferred out to avoid the same kind of treatment. But to have been there so long with an exceptional work record; and be terminated with no warning for something that the rest of staff and management has done for years and still does to this day. I was originally just wanting to be reinstated to either be able to find other employment and quit, or to be transferred to another location. Now I'm hearing that they'll also do what they can to prevent future employment.


Asked on 2/18/03, 12:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sterling DeRamus Sterling L. DeRamus, Attorney at Law

Re: wrongful termination

You are indeed correct that Alabama is a right to work state (more correctly a right to fire state). You can be fired, in the words of the Alabama Supreme Court, for a good reason, a bad reason or no reason at all. However, that is only the beginning of the issue. Merely because Alabama law does not give you any rights does not mean that you have no rights. There are a variety of legal issues to explore in any termination that most people are probably not aware of. That goes double for Walmart which has been the subject of many a successful suit for a variety of poor managerial practices.

I would be very interested in talking to you and be happy to discuss this matter over the phone at no charge to you. Please give me a call at 205-458-1100 at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sterling L. DeRamus

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Answered on 2/18/03, 2:18 pm


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