Legal Question in Employment Law in Utah

Can my boss fire me for...?

I work at a youth corrections facility that is currently accomodating 19 convicted felons under the age of 18. My employer purchased an x-box with his personal money for use at the group home. The x-box was stolen. Little investigation was done, and there is no evidence as to who took it. My employer is now requiring that all employees pay for the x-box to be replaced. He is threatening to fire all those who do not pay. Is that legal? Do I have to pay in order to retain employment?


Asked on 8/07/03, 2:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Can my boss fire me for...?

It is not proper for your employer to require that all employees pay for the lost x-box. I assume that you do not have a written contract covering the terms of your employment. If you are fired, your remedy is to apply for unemployment. Utah is an at-will employment state, meaning that generally you can be fired at any time in private employment with or without cause. If your employer is a government entity or if it works under a government contract you may have other rights. You would have to obtain that information from either your employer or the contracting government agency. You m ay wish to ask your employer for a copy of documents which related to employment issues, including employee manuals and government contract provisions.

In the best scenario you could sue for wrongful termination.

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Answered on 8/07/03, 10:15 am


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