Can I be fired for having an argument with my manager?

Question

I've worked at a hotel as a porter for two years. We have the regular manager/assistant relationship. She tells me what to do and I do it. But today when I went in she called me into the office and told me my work was below standard. I explained calmly that I was sorry she felt that way but I had been having to carry a two person shift on my own (my workmate has been off sick for two weeks) and that I was doing the best I could. She said it wasn't good enough and to work harder. It kind of escalated into a minor argument between us until she told me to leave the office. I carried on with my shift as usual and we didn't speak for the rest of the day. But now I'm kinda scared. Could I lose my job over this?

Answer 1

Now, to answer your question: has this manager ever told you anything negative about your job performance in the past two years? If not, then you will probably not get fired over this. My guess is that one of her superiors made a comment to her about something the porter didn't do right. She, in turn, tells you your performance is poor. Rule number one... never offer an excuse to a boss when they reprimand you. Just say, yes, ma'am, I will do better. It would have been a whole lot better for you to have gone to her a week earlier to tell her your chores were behind due to your sick co-worker. Armed with this knowledge, she could have defended you against any comment made by her bosses.

Usually, an employee in trouble will be given a verbal or written warning, then another two more written warnings before they are terminated. The exceptions would be if the employee came to work drunk or was caught stealing. I suggest you talk to this lady and tell her that you will do your best to carry the two loads. Agree with her that your work is below par. It will smooth things over between you two.

Answer 2

Depending on what state you live in, you could be let go for anything, it is called "At Will" and having worked in hotels before, in Human Resources actually, you should have been given an employee handbook where it will state that they are an "At Will" company, meaning they can let you go for whatever reason they see fit, but most companies will give you a verbal, then a written just to keep things clean on their side.

Answer 3

In the absence of union protection, you can be terminated for any reason.