Legal Question in Business Law in Pennsylvania

Unlawful termination

I am an employee at Burlington Coat Factory. I have been employed there for 3 years. Recently, there has been an increase of shoplifting there. There are no cameras there, or security whatsoever. I got a call at my house today from my manager stating that I was now fired. I was offcourse in shock. After three yrs of work, they fire me. It turns out that someone stole something from the back. The reason they blamed it on me was because, the item stolen would have only benefited a black person. I guess the item was fubu gear or some urban clothing. So being the only black person working there, they put the blame on me without any evidence, just a hunch. I know I can take them to court, and get my job back, but could I get any compensation since am now unemployed for no reason? Even if i get the job back, everyone there thinks I am a thief and thats slander. I cant work in that atmosphere. But it pays good and I need that job. I would like to have them pay for what they done to me. Is there any remedy?


Asked on 4/09/02, 10:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
J. Bryan Tuk Mandracchia & Modesti, LLC

Re: Unlawful termination

Pennsylvania is an employment at-will state. This means that generally, you or your employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason with or without notice.

However, there are laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on race. If you believe that your termination was racially motivated, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You must file a charge with the EEOC within 180 days of the discriminatory event.

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Answered on 4/10/02, 5:04 pm


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