Question

Frida is an employee of Green Recycled Products Company. A state statute protects Frida from Green's retaliation if Frida reports to state officials, or others, that Green is involved in unsafe or illegal activity. With respect to the employment-at-will doctrine, this is?

A. An example of the doctrine.
B. An exception based on contract theory.
C. An exception based on public theory.
D. An exception based on tort theory.

Answer 1

Answer: C. An exception based on public theory.

Explanation: The employment at will doctrine involves that an employer need not establish a reason or notice for dismissing an employee given that the motive or reason for dismissal is not illegal. However, there are some exceptions whereby termination of an employees contract might not be possible. Such as the scenario stated above, Frida has been protected from being sacked by a state statute which is also called exception based on public theory or policy which covers the employee for reporting unsafe or illegal company acts and issue relating to failure to pay salaries or workers compensation.