Ruth W$.$ has been employed at Hall Office Products for more than $20$ years. The owner of the store promised her a job for life in a letter of commendation several years ago. Ruth$$s job performance has been less than excellent in recent years, and she is in the disciplinary process. Ruth has disregarded efforts to address her poor performance and says that she has an $$agreement$$ with the owner and will sue if she is fired. The store manager fears that she is $$untouchable$.$

What are the applicable laws? Is Ruth covered by these laws? What should be the final recommendation and action plan?