Can Your Employer Fire You For Raiding Area 51?

Currently, over 1.4 million people have signed up for a Facebook event on September 20th to storm Area 51 and “see them aliens.” Nevada’s Area 51-inspired Little A’Le’Inn hotel has been fully booked on this date. With many people seriously contemplating storming Area 51, we ought to consider the potential employment consequences you will face if you partake in the raid. 

What If The U.S. Military Catches You?

The military has issued a strong warning to those who plan to storm Area 51. A representative from the U.S. Air Force warned that “any attempt to illegally access military installations or military training areas is dangerous.” Additionally, the “no trespassing” signs at Area 51 authorize the use of “deadly force” against intruders. If you die in the raid, it’s unlikely that you can return to work as a ghost. Assuming you make it out alive, there’s a good chance that the U.S. military catches you. The penalty for trespassing includes fines and jail time. Even if you don’t tell your boss that you’re going to jail, criminal records are public and he or she will notice your absence eventually. In most cases, your employer can terminate you due to incarceration. 

Okay, But What If I Don’t Get Caught Raiding Area 51?

Let’s say you don’t get caught and you make it out of Area 51 with your new pet alien. Monday rolls around, and it’s time for you to go back to work. You set up everything for your pet alien at home while you’re gone for the day. He’s got a good supply of snacks and reality TV.  When you get back to the office, you eagerly tell everyone about your new pet alien and your thrilling adventure into Area 51. Out of nowhere, your employer fires you for raiding Area 51! Unfortunately, if you are an at-will employee, your employer can fire you for conduct when you are off-duty and outside of work. “At-will” means that your boss can terminate you at any time for almost any reason, no reason at all, or for a bad reason, as long as the reason is not illegal. An example of an illegal reason to terminate someone is discrimination. People are legally protected from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, and other categories. Alien status, however, is not a protected discrimination status. However, if the Area 51 raid is successful, then we may see new legislation to protect the civil rights of aliens. 

Seek Legal Assistance

If you have been wrongfully terminated, seek legal assistance today. The Working Solutions Law Firm, located in New York City, can assist you. Contact us today at (646) 430-7930 to schedule a free case evaluation and receive experienced legal counsel. You don’t pay unless we win.