David Bowers was a 62-year-old greeter at Meijer store in Michigan. One day, a frantic customer came into the store pleading for help because her car was on fire. Mr. Bowers found a fire extinguisher, went out to the parking lot, and helped put out the car fire. His reward for his efforts was termination from his job. The company explained its actions by saying that “[w]e have well-established safety procedures…[and] our team members know there are consequences when they don’t follow them.” SOURCE: “Michigan Worker Fired after Helping Put Out Fire.” New York Times (December 14, 2013), A15.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What do you think the right answer is in this situation?
What type of wrongful termination claims best fit this case? Would Mr. Bowers be likely to prevail?
Are there additional facts you need to know?
