Whether one resides in Michigan or elsewhere, failing to act on a supervisor’s request when one feels what is being asked is wrong should not be reason to lose one’s job. Unfortunately, for a woman in another state, her refusal to participate allegedly led to her being fired. She has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against her former employer.
On April 5, a former banker and assistant vice president of a Wells Fargo branch filed a legal complaint against the company and three of her supervisors. She claims that she was asked to take part in unethical banking practices. After refusing to participate, she says she was released from employment.
Aside from saying that Wells Fargo has a non-retaliation policy in place to protect employees, the company spokesman is refusing to comment on the case. As the complaint was only just recently filed, only time will tell how it eventually plays out. By filing this lawsuit, the plaintiff is hoping to be reinstated to her previous position and is also seeking an undisclosed amount in damages.
If an employee simply fails to perform the functions of his or her job in an acceptable manner, then termination may be warranted. If an employee refuses do certain actions due to ethical or legal issues, he or she has the right to express concern and not participate. According to Michigan laws, retaliation from employers is prohibited under such circumstances. Those who believe that they are victims of wrongful termination for failing to take part in unethical work practices may, with the assistance of a skilled employment law attorney, seek damages in civil court for any resulting losses.
Source: nj.com, “Wells Fargo exec was fired for not scamming N.J. customers, lawsuit says“, Craig McCarthy, April 17, 2017