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Can a boss can fire you on the spot without telling you why. My boss seems to
think that my personal life interferes with my job. Another employee and I have
been seeing each other, but on our own time. My boss thinks this is a problem
and called me into the office to talk to me, saying "you two seeing each
other will be a problem." We see each other on our own time and it does not
affect our work. Does she have a right to do this? My boss also called me a liar
and a thief before firing me and never was specific about why she's doing it. Is
this slander?
Signed,
Diss Missed
Dear Diss Missed:
Yes, your boss can fire you on the spot without giving a reason--unless you are working under a union contract. No, a boss should not base a firing on your dating a co-worker, but a controlling boss might. If a boss calls you a liar and a thief in the presence of others that is slander; however, to sue a boss is costly and such a case can be difficult to win unless you walk on water.
It sounds to me as if you and your boss are on the outs. I suspect that mending fences with what appears to be an I run this place boss will take a miracle. If you like your job, it may be worth a try to ask for a conference with her and then to see if in the next couple of weeks you can change her opinion of you. This does not mean that you should let her use you as a doormat or comply to an ultimatum to quit dating a co-worker. It may mean that you avoid any appearance of flirting or conversing with that co-worker while working.
Perhaps reading some of our other Q&As that relate to bossy bosses will enlarge your understanding of similar hostile work situations and motivate you to find a can-do approach to your difficult situation.
WEGO seeks to lessen the hostility at work and to create an I am proud to work here climate.
Let us know the outcome.
--Bill Gorden