Seven Tests of Just Cause

1. Was the employee warned of the possible consequences of his/her conduct?

2. Was the employer's rule or order reasonably related to safe and efficient operations?

3. Did management conduct an investigation before administering discipline?

4. Was the investigation fair and objective?

5. Did the investigation produce substantial evidence or proof of guilt?

6. Were the rules, orders, and/or penalties applied evenhandedly without disparate treatment?

7. Was the penalty reasonably related to the seriousness of the offense?