Probation period ended and they fired me for probationary reasons Minnesota

[lilpeanut0]

I was pushed out of a position so my boss could give my job to one of her daughters friends. That is what actually happened. However what is on paper is that I was still on probation and I failed to meet preformance expectations. My probationary period ended a month before they fired me. Can they legally fire me for this (this is in MN)?
They also did not pay me within 24 hours. I had to wait two weeks, and stll have not seen the check stub (the money was direct deposited).

[cyjeff]

It was legal to fire you even if they stated they were giving your job to a family friend.

Was the money paid on the next paycheck run?

[cbg]

You could, I suppose, file a claim with the MN DOL since you didn't get the paycheck immediately, but your claim will be a very low priority since you did get paid and I'm not sure what benefit you would receive. Claims of people who are still waiting for pay or who were paid in incorrect amount will take precedence over someone who was paid, but was paid late.

[lilpeanut0]

I dd recieve the money on the next pay period, but have not recieved the pay stub. So I really don't know if I got everything I was entiteled to. I sent an email to my boss 2 days ago telling her I did not recieved it, no response.

I know MN is a work at will state, and you can be terminated for any reason. But isn't their something about putting employees on a "probation period" as kind of a "promise for work" if they make it past this? I was already a month past my probation date.

[cbg]

No, there is nothing in the law of any state except Montana which gives you greater protection after you complete a probationary period.

[Betty3]

I know MN is a work at will state, and you can be terminated for any reason. But isn't their something about putting employees on a "probation period" as kind of a "promise for work" if they make it past this? I was already a month past my probation date.

Nope, no such "promise for work." Just because you make it past the probationary period doesn't mean you can't be terminated at any time for any reason that is not protected by law. Actually, you could be terminated the day after your probationary period is over.

The reason they terminated you was not an illegal one.

[Morgana]

Actually, the reason many companies no longer use the term "probationary period" any more is because it sets up the expectation you mentioned. That if an employee makes it thru the probation period, there are expectations that they become a "permanent employee" with more protection from termination. That is not true.

[Pattymd]

Actually, the reason many companies no longer use the term "probationary period" any more is because it sets up the expectation your mentioned. That if an employee makes it thru the probation period, there are expectations that they become a "permanent employee" with more protection from termination. That is not true.

Good point, Morgana. Often, what's been called a "probationary" period is no more than a waiting period before benefits become available.