Mary has been with the organization for 14 years. She used to be a star performer, but now she barely keeps up with production quotas - and her re-work numbers are on the rise. Besides her production going downhill, she is sullen and argumentative. Last week, she got into a real tangle with Jack and they both got written warnings with one-day suspensions. This morning, she flew into a rage when Holly misplaced one of the hand tools. The production supervisor says he's just disgusted with the whole thing and is meeting with Mary this afternoon. It looks like Mary may be on her way out the door (p. 21).

1. Describe the factors that should be examined before firing Mary.
2. Assess what employment laws may be relevant in this situation.
3. Recommend actions that might avoid Mary's termination and improve the situation.

Source of the case: Gusdorf, M. Employment Law - A Learning Module in Six Segments, SHRM, 2008.