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I have been a dept manager for a big box retailer for 17 years with an excellent record, no right ups either. I have decided to open up a small butcher shop in a town where there is no grocery store to do on the side as my current job. I let my employer know of my intentions and that we dont open until june 1st. I was called up to the office yesterday and was told to resign by next monday or i will be terminated with cause because i am in direct competition with another big box sister company 15km away in another town.
The shop i want to open is under 1000 sq feet and they feel i am a threat. We are not even open yet and they want me gone. Can they do this without paying me severance or termination pay?
Conflict of interest situations like the one you find yourself in turn on the individual facts at play. The general rule that applies here is that the employer has to prove that its business interests would be negatively affected by your private venture. Your case is fact specific and we require more details about the overlap between the business of your employer and your own shop in order to provide you with legal advice so please call us at the number below to discuss further.