Pine River State Bank v. Mettille
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Pine River State Bank v. Mettille, 333 N.W.2d 622 (Minn. 1983).
Facts: Plaintiff was hired (at-will) as a loan officer. After multiple serious errors, he was fired without following the procedure of notice laid out in the employee handbook.
Issue: Did the employee handbook constitute a contract between Plaintiff and Defendant?
Holding: Yes, and Defendant violated it by not providing notice for termination, as provided in the handbook.
Rule:
- Employment for unspecified term is at will employment--a unilateral contract
- Consideration is the continued performance by the employee
- The presumption is that employment is at will (it may terminate at any time)
- Exceptions:
- If an employment handbook specifically state procedures for dismissal
- Employer conduct or assurances in the employment relationship creates a contract to not fire except for good cause the employment is no longer at will.
- Exceptions:
