fired but need assistance

[stacer]

I committed a misdemeanor- use of a friends credit card- for less than $300. The police came to work to get me and I was given a letter of termination at the police station stating I had violated a company policy. The letter was given to me by the police- I was not given any opportunity to state my side of the story or any chance to ask any questions. I do not even know what specific policy was violated as it did not state in the letter. I realize Iowa is an at will state but shouldnt I at least have the opportunity to speak to my company's hr dept or be told by them the policy? I have not even gone to court yet on this. The friend is someone I work with and we had known each other for 15 years prior to working together.I am ashamed of what I did to her and do not deny my guilt on that- its the work related issue that I am questioning?

 

[Green_Hornet]

You got fired for swiping 300 bucks from a co-worker, of course it is work related.

 

[stacer]

This happened outside of work- not during work hours -- also I would still think I should have the right to state my side of things- How does the employer know that my friend didn't loan me the card then after a disagreement decide to do this ?

 

[Green_Hornet]

How does the employer know that my friend didn't loan me the card then after a disagreement decide to do this ?

How about because the cops showed up where you work, and locked you up.
I think that may have tipped off the boss.

 

[stacer]

I appreciate your candor Green Hornet- but my point is- that can the employer fire me for something that happened outside of work without even talking to me, telling me what specific policy was violated and before I am even given my day in court over this?

 

[Green_Hornet]

Are you in a union or is there an arbitration feature in your handbook? If not more than likely they can. If you have a copy of your handbook you could run it by an attorney.