Linda is a director of a childcare center. Linda was asked by the chief executive officer (CEO) of the corporation that owns the childcare center to lay off five childcare workers to decrease the center's expenses. Linda refused to lay off the workers because it would violate the state law that outlines ratio requirements between staff and children. The CEO terminated Linda and terminated five childcare workers, resulting in a violation of the state law regulating ratio requirements. Linda's employer did not give her a reason why she was fired. Linda worked for the corporation for 10 years and consistently had very high scores on her performance reviews before her termination. Linda did not have an employment contract. Respond to the following:

• Propose the causes of action that Linda could bring against her former employer and the potential outcomes.

Share your thoughts on the significance of at-will employment in the scenario involving Linda and whether or not the employer has any defenses to these causes of action.