HR Discipline, Suspension & Termination: Hirschman’s Article
Discipline, Suspension & Termination (Handbooks, Wrongful Discharge, Procedural issues)
In Hirschman’s article, “Off-Duty, Out of Work” from HR Magazine, February 2003, read about one man’s quest to retain his job after being terminated for his personal-time activities. Hirschman, C. (2003, Feb). Off-duty, out of work. HRMagazine, 48(2), 50-56. Retrieved November 15, 2010, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=286023891&sid=13&Fmt=3&clientId =29440&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Using the materials from your background readings, research, and the case, answer the following questions:
? Why wasn’t Mr. Oiler protected by Federal law? Why wasn’t he protected by state law? Was there a privacy law that applied to Mr. Oiler? Be specific in your answer.
? What do the terms “just cause,” “due process,” “employment at will,” and “wrongful discharge” mean? Do any of these terms relate to Mr. Oiler’s situation? Why?
? What is meant by a “progressive discipline system”? Be specific. Do you think this applied or should have applied to Mr. Oiler’s situation? Why?
? If Mr. Oiler’s termination would have happened today would/might there be a different outcome? Why? Support your response with research.