NWC News Desk

Understanding at-will employment is topic of workshop

Posted October 31, 2006
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P O W E L L, W y o. - Northwest College Human Resources Director Heather Kobbe will talk about at-will employment and the nuances that make exceptions important in a Tuesday, Nov. 14, program in Cody. Her two-hour presentation, which includes lunch, begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Park County Complex (the former Marathon Building).

Kobbe will start by defining at-will employment and then review exceptions. She'll also review employment contracts and federal and state laws. Her goal is to give managers and business owners information that could keep them out of litigation.

"Many employers are confused about what it means to work in a state that is considered at-will," Kobbe said. "They feel that because we are at-will, they can fire someone for no cause. While this may be true in some circumstances, it's not true in many."

Although at-will employment allows employees as well as employers to terminate a working relationship without reason, she said the at-will doctrine is most often used by employers and is frequently seen during downsizing processes.

Kobbe has worked in the human resources field for 10 years in a variety of industries, the last three at Northwest College. She's also been called upon as a human resource consultant. Kobbe holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received her Professional in Human Resources certificate from the Society of Human Resource Management.

Her Nov. 14 presentation is sponsored by the Northwest College Cody Center for Training and Development, Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Wyoming.

Cost for the lunch and program is $20 per person. Reservations must be made before Thursday, Nov. 9, by e-mailing Nancy Hyde or calling (307) 587-3506 or toll-free (800) 560-4692.