Can I be fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal?

In North Carolina, it is illegal to fire an employee for refusing to do something unethical or illegal. This includes refusing to participate in activities that the employee believes are unethical or illegal, such as discrimination or fraud. This protection is outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes section 95-30, which states that an employer may not terminate an employee for refusing to perform any act which violates a law or public policy. Therefore, if an employer attempts to fire an employee for refusing to do something unethical or illegal, the employee can file a wrongful termination claim against them. However, an employee must be careful when refusing to do something unethical or illegal, as the employer may be able to argue that they were terminated for legitimate reasons other than their refusal. For example, if the employee was absent from work and the employer used the absence as a means to terminate the employee, the employee may have a harder time proving wrongful termination. In summary, while an employee in North Carolina cannot be fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal, the employee must be careful in how they handle the situation. They should make sure to have clear evidence of their refusal and any retaliation by the employer. If they are indeed fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal, they can file a wrongful termination claim.

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