Minnie is the head of human resources at a medium sized tech firm. She is becoming concerned with Ed's work ethic. Ed had been working there for six years and had been a decent if not great employee. After a hockey injury five months ago, Ed's attitude towards his manager and the job had changed. Ed took short breaks on a regular basis and no one knew where he disappeared to. When he returned he smelled of marijuana. Ed's co-worker were complaining he was not keeping up his share of the work and they had to cover for him. Ed's supervisor tried to talk to him about it but Ed told him to get lost with a few more unkind words and gestures included.

As a result of the supervisors report on the issue Minnie felt it was time to terminate Ed's employment with the company. She called Ed in and told him he was being let go with no termination pay because of his drug use and lack of respect for his supervisor.Ed was very angry and claimed unjust treatment due to a medical condition. Ed said his doctor prescribed the use of marijuana to deal withheadaches that were complications from the hockey injury and now he was being fired for following his doctors orders.

a) Outline the issues raised in this situation for both the tech firm and Ed.

b) Advise Minnie as to the proper process to be followed in this case.

c) Would your advice change to Minnie if Ed was not under doctor's orders? Explain either way.