Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

I have worked for the Ritz Carlton for 8 years as a valet. My female boss at the time was always spending her work time flirting with one of my coworkers when she could have been more attentive to our needs on the front drive area. One day I got into an argument with the doorman because I felt he was stealing. I called him an uncle tom out of inappropriate frustration and was fired. Eight months later I find out my boss has been promoted to another location and her and the valet she was inappropriately flirting with are a couple. I feel if she had been doing her job correctly at the time I would not have to gotten into the debate in the first place. I never had any disciplinary issues for 8 years and now I have been jobless for 8 months. Do I have a case?


Asked on 12/15/10, 6:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

There are no laws against 'unfair treatment' or poor management. In general, unless an employee is civil service, in a union, or has a written employment contract, they are an 'at will' employee that can be disciplined or fired any time for any reason, with or without �cause�, explanation or notice, other than for illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation under the ADA disability, Civil Rights [age, race, sex, ethnic, religion, pregnancy, etc], Whistle-blower, or similar statutes. The employee's goal should be to keep the employer happy. You didn't. Plus, you admit making a racist comment that justifies immediate termination 'for cause'.

Read more
Answered on 12/20/10, 11:25 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in California