Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington
fired for jury duty
on jan. 28th i listened to jury recording and was to be in court 9 am jan 29th.. showed up and the nessage was changed after i heard it.. new message said to '' call'' after 10. am that same day.. so waited with security guard and superior court administrator clerk till 10.. phoned the line it was cancelled.. and phoned my employewr.. i went to work.. when turned in jury duty slip.. boss called court everyday for a week.. and took me in office for fired for dishonesty. i got letter from sec. guard and clerk.. still fired me.. help...what recourse do i have?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: fired for jury duty
WA is an employment-at-will state, so you probably do not have recourse against your employer absent an employment contract or possibly an employee's handbook.
You may possibly have a cause of action against the employer on public policy grounds of upholding jury duty, but I would have to research that aspect to comment further.
Based on your facts presented, you do have a solid claim for unemployment benefits because they did not have a legitimate reason to fire you.
I suggest you contact an attorney who could look at all the facts and fully advise you.