TWrongful termination with or without cause. That is the question.

What is the law in Arkansas? Only an Arkansan attorney will know for sure.Can a company in Arkansas fire an employee without cause . . . or does the company need cause?1. You were an operations coordinator.2. You do not state what your friends' jobs were. They may have been paid similarly but their jobs may not have been as critical for the company during a critical strike period.3. Without knowing the answers to these questions, it is impossible to give you a reliable answer.The best answer in this instance is get thee to a local lawyer quickly.The company will say, of course, that your attendance at work should have been your top priority during that interlude.They will say you were not loyal to management when you should have been. They will say that they learned they could not rely on you in a time of need.They will say, ultimately, that they had cause -- even if none was needed -- to terminate your employment.Be ready to discuss these issues with the best local employment lawyer you can find.

Afterthought: the statute of limitations

I just glanced again at your question.That event occurred in April 1996 . . . almost two years ago.If a lawyer was going to argue religious discrimination, it would be too late unless you filed at the EEOC or at the state antidiscrimination commission.On a straight wrongful termination -- if available in Arkansas -- the time within which you have to bring a case may be longer. You really do have to run all the way to an attorney before any more time passes.What has happened during the last two years? Have you job shopped? Are you employed now? ETCETCETCETC