One key legal claim in Texas is called a “Sabine Pilot” claim. This doctrine protects employees from retaliatory terminations for refusing to engage in illegal activities. Let’s take a closer look at the rights employees have under Sabine Pilot.
What is a Sabine Pilot Claim?
The Sabine Pilot claim comes from the Texas Supreme Court case Sabine Pilot Service, Inc. v. Hauck, 687 S.W. 2d 733 (Tex. 1985). In this landmark case, the court ruled that an employee cannot be terminated for refusing to commit an illegal act at the request of their employer.
This case established a narrow, but important, exception to the at-will employment doctrine, which otherwise generally allows employers to fire employees for any reason or no reason, so long as the termination does not violate other state and federal protections.
Key Elements of Sabine Pilot Claims
To bring a valid Sabine Pilot claim, there are specific elements that must be present.
- Refusal to Engage in Illegal Conduct: The employee must have both been asked to participate in illegal activity and refused to do so.
- Termination: The employee must have been fired solely because of their refusal to engage in the illegal act.
- Causal Connection: The employee must show that the employer’s decision to terminate was specifically tied to their objection to the unlawful conduct.
An Example
Maria is a mid-level manager working at a logistics company that operates nationwide, including in areas with strict environmental regulations. One day, her boss, Mark, instructs her to oversee the illegal dumping of hazardous waste from the company’s warehouse into a nearby river to avoid the high costs of proper disposal.
Mark tells Maria that the company has been doing this for months and that it’s the only way to maintain their profit margins. He further boasts that this is how he obtained his promotion to VP and insinuates that complying will help Maria’s future at the company. He assures her that nobody will find out and pressures her to go along with the plan.
Maria knows that dumping hazardous waste in this manner violates both state and federal environmental laws and that anyone involved could face criminal penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment.
Maria refuses to follow Mark’s orders, explaining that she cannot be part of a crime that jeopardizes public health and the environment. She tells Mark that she would rather lose her job than face criminal charges or potentially cause harm to others. Mark becomes furious, telling Maria that she is overreacting and that the company can’t afford employees who “refuse to get things done.” He fires her on the spot.
After her termination, Maria files what is likely to be a successful Sabine Pilot claim.
Remedies for Employees
If an employee successfully proves a Sabine Pilot claim, they may be entitled to various remedies, including:
- Back Pay
- Front Pay
- Compensatory Damages
- Punitive Damages
Where Should You Start?
The Sabine Pilot rule provides vital protections for Texas employees. While the scope of this doctrine is limited, it remains an essential legal safeguard for those facing unlawful demands in the workplace.
If you’ve been terminated for refusing to commit an illegal act, it is essential to seek the guidance of a Texas employment law attorney. A lawyer can help you evaluate whether your situation qualifies as a Sabine Pilot claim, gather the necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our attorneys to discuss your case in further detail.