Tips On Making It On The Job
September 2008

Unless you have a written employment contract, most employees in Connecticut are "at will" employees. "At will" means you can be fired for any reason--or no reason at all--unless the reason is illegal. For example, it would be illegal to discriminate against you because of your age, race, color, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. Even so, you can do certain things to help keep your job.

Q. How do I prevent trouble on the job in the first place?
A. Both workers & employers have rights and responsibilities. You might be able to prevent trouble if you know and do what is expected of you. Here are some tips to help prevent trouble:

• Get to work on time.
• Call in ahead of your shift if you are sick or going to be late; try to speak directly to your supervisor or the person in charge.
• Dress appropriately for your work.
• Treat coworkers and customers with respect and courtesy.
• Follow the health and safety rules.
• Tell your supervisor if you must leave.
• Know your supervisor’s name (last name, too).
• Know your job duties.  If you don’t get a job description, ask for one or take detailed notes as you are given instructions.
• Read your company policies carefully. Know what is expected of you. For example, the rules on smoking, lunch, personal phone calls   If you’re not given a copy of company policies, ask your supervisor for a copy.

Q. Are there signs that my job is in trouble?
A. Here are a few signs: (1) warnings or poor performance reviews (2) changes in your job duties (3) actions taken against you, such as cutting your hours or putting you on probation.

Q.What should I do if I see warning signs that my job is in trouble?
A. Follow these tips:

1. Get legal advice. It is very important to get legal advice before your problems on the job get serious enough to get you fired. Call Statewide Legal Services (SLS) for help.
2. Talk to your work friends. Co-workers and supervisors who know and respect you might be able to give you advice. Remember, if you ask for advice, keep your attitude positive.
3. Get information. Ask to look at your personnel file (it’s your right). If you disagree with something in it, get a copy of it.  If you receive a warning, you have the right to write your own version of what happened and to have it included in your personnel file.  Call SLS for help. 
4. Talk with your employer. Try to clear up the problem by talking with your employer. If you don’t find a solution, do not quit your job. Keep a record of what is happening.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Your cash benefits, unemployment, and housing benefits can be affected by what happens on the job. Before you quit or get fired, call Statewide Legal Services.

Q. What can I do if I’m having trouble with a co-worker, my supervisor, or doing the job?
A. You should talk to a supervisor or human resources person. Follow the "chain of command"; this means start with one supervisor, and if you can’t resolve the problem, go to that person’s supervisor, etc. If the company has policies on resolving problems, be sure to follow them.

Q. What if I get fired? What should I do when they tell me I’m fired?
A. It is very important to stay calm. Get as much information as you can about why you were fired. Listen carefully and take notes. Do not sign anything. It is very important to stay calm. Get as much information as you can about why you were fired. Listen carefully and take notes. Do not sign anything. As soon as the meeting is over, write down anything else you can remember about what happened at the meeting.

Questions? Call Statewide Legal Services 1-800-453-3320.
This information is based on laws in CT as of  9/2008.  It is not intended as legal advice for an individual situation; individuals should consult with a lawyer if possible.  Produced by the Legal Assistance Resource Center of CT. www.larcc.org