questions & answers

Question: I work for a security company here in Tucson and was made aware that they will charge anyone who quits without notice even in the middle of a shift a $200 fee. I was under the impression that as Arizona was an Employment at will state that you could end employment whenever for any or no reason without any kind of penalty. Am I correct in thinking this?

Answer: Employment matters are covered under federal or Arizona state law. Arizona is an “at-will” employment state but there are exceptions to which employees are considered “at will”. For example, an employment contract might outline the reasons an employee may be terminated, resign their position, or under what conditions. An employee handbook or manual, though not a contract, may include policies that cover employee rights, responsibilities, and processes for ending employment. An employment contract or an employee manual may change the “at will” presumption. Check with the Industrial Commission of Arizona’s Labor Department to see whether or not a penalty for terminating employment is allowed: https://www.azica.gov/divisions/labor-department or call (602) 542-4515.