Question

Li Li worked for Packard Bioscience, and Mark Schmeizl was her supervisor. In March 2000, Schmeizl told Li to call Pack- ard’s competitors, pretend to be a potential customer, and request "pricing information and literature." Li refused to per- form the assignment. She told Schmeizl that she thought the work was illegal and recommended that he contact Packard’s legal department. Although a lawyer recommended against the practice, Schmeizl insisted that Li perform the calls. More- over, he later wrote negative performance reviews because she was unable to get the requested information when she called competitors and identified herself as a Packard employee. On June 1, 2000, Li was terminated on Schmeizl’s recommenda- tion. Can Li bring a claim for wrongful discharge? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer: Li can bring a claim of wrongful discharge against  her employer.

Explanation:

Wrongful discharge/termination is when an employee's contract of employment is terminated illegally.

This covers firing someone on the basis of their race, gender, or any other form of discrimination. It also includes firing an employee in retaliation or for refusing to carry out illegal activities on behalf of their employer. Li, in this case falls in the last category as her termination was on her supervisor's recommendation.