Employees obligated to assist employers during investigations

A California ruling suggests that an employee is obligated to assist their employer during the investigation of another employee’s discrimination claim.

John McGrory was investigated, but it was determined that he had not discriminated against another employee for being a lesbian. However, he was fired for violating the company’s sexual harassment policy and being uncooperative during the investigation process. He then sued Applied Signal Technology for wrongful termination, saying that his termination violated public policy. The court, however, did not agree.

If an investigation is happening in a workplace, employees should be respectful and cooperative. It is a privilege, not a right, to have a job. If in doubt, you should see the advice of an employment lawyer, first being certain the attorney has no conflict of interest.