Under what condition can an employer legally terminate an employee?

An employer can legally terminate an employee for being found guilty of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) because it may directly impact the employee's ability to perform their job duties safely and effectively, especially if the role involves driving or operating heavy machinery. A DUI conviction can reflect on the employee's judgment and reliability, leading employers to consider it a legitimate reason for termination to protect the workplace, ensure safety, and maintain their reputation.

Employment laws often allow for termination related to actions that affect job performance or create liability issues for the employer. In contrast, the other scenarios presented typically involve factors that are more related to employee rights or do not directly present a valid reason for termination. For instance, taking legally protected leave, refusing to work overtime without an obligation to do so, or being late (unless it becomes a habitual issue) generally fall under employee rights or the need for reasonable accommodations or disciplinary action rather than immediate cause for termination.