I was recently given a write up (my first one) by order of my boss. Its kind of a long story, but I felt like it was unfair and after reading it, I decided I would refuse to sign it. I promptly told management I was not going to sign it and a brief explanation.
My supervisor then said, “Okay, I'll tell the boss. You might as well put your supplies up because she'll probably terminate you.” I said okay whatever. Upon returning my supe says, “If you don't sign it, boss is going to send the write up to corporate and let them decide on firing you or not.” Essentially I was led to believe that not signing was not an option.
Upon reading the employee handbook, I discovered that company policy is a bit different. Let me note firstly that my state is an at will state and I can be fired for no reason. The employee handbook states that if an employee refuses to sign a write up, that must be stated and signed by the manager and a witness. That's it.
I was treated like not signing wasn't an option. I could divulge into how unfairly this job has been treating me, but I won't here. My main question is, did my boss coerce me into signing this write up? She essentially threatened to start the firing process by contacting HR if I did not sign.
I would appreciate everyone's opinion on this, as to what is going on and how I should approach this specific incident.