Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland

I was given a telecommuting position at my office a year previously and had signed an agreement as such so that I could continue my education. Recently my direct supervisor (who had signed the agreement) passed away. Immediately following his passing I was told by my new supervisor I am be fired, not due to job performance but because they wanted someone who worked closer to the office. I was told that this may or may not happen, they are not sure yet what they are going to do but that it is a distinct possibility so that they can complete projects at the office. Quite frankly they could easily complete the projects if they were not busy surfing the internet or taking frequent breaks and it is not an issue of time for completion or skill ability. I have spoken to my supervisor and was told point blank the only way to keep my job would be if I dropped out of school and moved to an area I could not afford because raises have been frozen and they have not increased their cost of living wages. I want to know if this is legal for them to do and what if any options there are available for me.


Asked on 9/24/10, 1:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

It depends if you are a contract or "at-will" employee. If you are an at-will employee (most employees are at-will, if you can leave your job without penalty then you likely are at-will), the employer can fire you for any reason it feels like so long as it is not discriminatory. Unfortunately this means an employer can legally fire someone for an unfair or unreasonable basis so long as it doesn't violate a specific law (like age discrimination, etc.). However an employee can still object or request reconsideration of the termination decision.

If you are a contract employee then you would be well advised to have an attorney review your employment contract.

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Answered on 9/29/10, 2:29 pm


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