Using mobile app, so I apologize for any formatting problems. Also, a bit long winded.
As the title states, I was terminated in IL, for addressing a potential security concern. I'm curious what my options are, in an at will state. I can only find resources on discrimination.
One of my union employees was suspended, pending investigation for alleged sexual harassment. I overheard from a group of other employees, that this individual has access to guns, and has quite a temper. They seemed very concerned that if he were to be fired, he could retaliate. I did not address the concerns with the group, and went directly to my boss (department manager) with this information, who then took it to the plant manager and HR. Later in the day I met with HR, who was very upset. She accused me of discussing an ongoing investigation, and told me that I was not allowed to state that he could be a security risk, since he didn't have anything in his file which would indicate this. My stance was that, as a supervisor it is my moral and ethical duty to address any security concerns, regardless of who it is. Our company has had multiple bomb and active shooter threats recently, enough that they added armed security in the parking lot. I also stated, that if I couldn't address these types of concerns with my manager and HR, I dont need to work there anymore. During the interaction she yelled, and was very unprofessional. I actually had to calm her down 3 times.
Fast forward to the next day, I get an email from her, which also went to my manager and the plant manager, re-capping our discussion from the day before, and “accepting my resignation”. Her email was full of boldface lies, and she completely twisted what I said. I addressed this with her and my manager, and it did not matter, I was terminated anyway.
This whole situation has me completely blown away. All the resources I can find, only care about discrimination. Is there anything I can do? If it matters, I'm included in 2 protected groups. Disabled military vet, over 40. Thanks everyone for your input.