Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Spouses work for same company

My spouse and I are working for the same man, two different divisions of the company. My husband wants to quit, but we are afraid the owner may fire me as well just because he's mad at him leaving. I have never done anything wrong, have only had stellar reviews of job performance. Is it legal for him to fire me? We live in Illinois


Asked on 11/18/08, 1:26 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David K. Staub Staub Anderson LLC

Re: Spouses work for same company

Illinois is an "employment at will" state. In other words, unless the firing is for a legally prohibited reason (sex, race, national origin, etc...), an employer can fire any employee at will. Firing you simply because he is angry at your husband may be unreasonable, but it does not violate any laws.

David Staub, business attorney

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Answered on 11/18/08, 2:57 pm
Motty Stone Law Offices of Motty Stone

Re: Spouses work for same company

Are you a member of a union? Or do you have a written employment contract? As the other attorney mentioned, a basic "employment at will" does not protect you from being fired (just as it does not protect your boss from you quitting with your husband). But if there is a union agreement or other contract, you may have additional rights.

Feel free to give us a call if you want to talk.

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Answered on 11/18/08, 3:02 pm


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