Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

Wrongful Discharge

9/3/02 was payday at my place of employment. I left work and went to bank to cash payroll check and was told the fund were not available. I called my work and was told they should be. Went home, called bank several times to verufy funds. I called my work and told the Acct. to let the owner know I would not be in the following day due to not being able to cash check. Finally was able to cash on Wed. Arrived @ work on Thurs. and was told that I no longer had a job. That failing to come in on Wed. was a voluntary quit. I asked employer if he did not recieve message that I would not be in and he said ''yes he did''. Was I wrongfully terminated?


Asked on 9/06/02, 5:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: Wrongful Discharge

The questions for the purpose of unemployment benefits are (1) whether you "voluntarily quit without good cause" - RCW 50.20.050 http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=section§ion=50.20.050 or (2) Whether you were "discharged or suspended for misconduct connected with" your work - RCW 50.20.060 http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=section§ion=50.20.060

You should apply for benefits. Though WA is an employment at will state, and the company had the right to terminate you, it would appear the company will probably be liable for unemployment benefits. If the company challenges your right to benefits, take it to a hearing. You should also get the written statement of the person at the bank who told you there were insufficient funds.

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Answered on 9/07/02, 1:14 am


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