Prudence, the head of human resources at Acme AutoZone, was becoming concerned about Desmond's work ethic. Desmond had been with the company for nearly five years and had always met expectations in his job. However, following a car accident several months ago, Desmond's behaviour had changed.

Upon his return to work following the accident, Desmond began to take long breaks and extended lunches. When he returned, there was often a peculiar odour on his clothes. Desmond's co-workers were complaining that he was no longer doing his share of the work and that they had to cover for him.

Desmond's manager, Rajiv, recognized the mysterious odour as marijuana and tried to speak with him about it. Desmond told him to "get lost" and muttered some profanities as he left his manager's office.

As a result of his manager's report on Desmond's use of marijuana during work hours and his attempted conversation with the employee, Prudence decided it was time to terminate Desmond's employment.

Prudence called Desmond into her office and gave him the news that he was terminatedimmediatelyand that there would benotermination pay.

Desmond became very upset. He claimed that he was being unjustly treated due to his medical condition. Desmond said that his doctor had prescribed the use of medical marijuana to deal with pain that he was experiencing following his accident.

He asked, "how can I be fired for following doctor's orders?"

1.What are the issues raised by Desmond's termination? What should Desmond do in the circumstances? (2)

2.Did Prudence follow the proper process in this case? Why or why not? (2)

3.What if Desmond was not, in fact, using marijuana under a doctor's prescription? Would this change things? (2)