There is no statute (i.e., a law passed by the state legislature) in Texas protecting workers from being forced to commit illegal acts. So, prior to 1985, if your employer told you to rob the local bank and you refused, you could have been fired. But, now there is judge-made law in the form of
Many employees find themselves in a real quandary when the employer asks them to commit an illegal or unethical act. Texas law protects a worker who is asked to break a criminal statute. But, some employees become so vexed about their situation that s/he goes to the media. That is what happened in Peine v.
It was big news just a few months ago that Wells Fargo bank pressured its employees to engage in fraudulent sales tactics. Some employees were even issuing credit cards and setting up new bank accounts for its customers – without the customers’ permission. It was fraud. But, was it illegal? That distinction matters in a
Many laypersons people are familiar with the retaliation part of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That anti-retaliation provision prohibits retaliation against someone who opposes discrimination. Title VII is a federal statute. Texas is an at-will state. But, even so, Texas does have a few state anti-retaliation statutes.
Texas prohibits reprisal
There is no statute in Texas protecting workers from being forced to commit illegal acts. So, prior to 1985, if your employer told you to rob the local bank and you refused, you could have been fired. But, now there is judge-made law in the form of Sabine Pilot v. Hauck, 687 S.W.2d 733
A San Antonio whistle blower has settled her claim against JP Morgan Chase Bank. Linda Almonte, who had been a Team Leader in the local office reported wrongdoing to higher-ups and was subsequently fired. See San Antonio Express News report. She was fired Nov. 30, 2009 after she made her report. A year later, she