Reply #13: there's no law against stupid hire/firing decisions, or stupid employees ignoring clear fire threats [View All]

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absent an employee contract, a union agreement, or an employee handbook detailing conditions and procedures surrounding getting fired, yes, an employer can fire you literally because he doesn't like your tie. otherwise, the only reason you CAN'T fire someone is if the real reason (stated or not) is due to race, religion, etc.

in this case, there was an actual business reason to not like the tie, but even that is not necessary.

welcome to employment-at-will.



as a practical business matter, it seems silly the boss couldn't find a way to accommodate the guy. but there's no law against bosses being stupid.

then again, for all we know the guy was a terrible employee anyway and this was just the "last straw". according to the article, the boss TWICE made it clear he would be fired if he didn't take it off, and the employee refused both times.