WORKERS: Where are their rights?

We live in a time when employers can hide behind errors in legislation. Below is an excerpt from the FAQ section on the Idaho State Department of Labor:

Idaho is a “work at will” state. This means there is no set length for an employment relationship and either the employer or the employee may end it at any time, with or without notice; with or without cause.

There are some exceptions to an employer’s right to terminate an employee. For example, employees should never be terminated for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason or a violation of public policy.

This is circular logic. If an employer does not have to state reasons for termination, an employee would never have documentation to defend against discrimination, retaliation or violation of public policy.

It is time to change this system.

Recently, an employee of a Coeur d’Alene drug testing company was terminated without any explanation. After interviewing several of the remaining staff, it was determined that this action was a complete surprise to all. In fact, clients raved about the respect and care afforded to them by this employee when in such a compromised situation.

With such a glowing reputation, the question begs, why was she terminated?

Without any documentation required from her employer, she has no recourse to determine whether the company discriminated, retaliated or violated public policy.

It is time to change the error in the Idaho Legislation, so employers can no longer hide behind the law.

EDWARD SMITH

Coeur d’Alene