My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: Arizona
Hello all. I just want to extend my appreciation for this forum and its posters. I will do my best to be succinct; however, I may have to elaborate. Please forgive that.
Here is my situation:
I was granted unemployment benefits, which my employer is appealing. I have been employed by a medical office for a couple of years. Upon employment inception, I was told, "I need you to sign this," referring to a document stating I understood I was an 'at-will' employee and could be terminated for cause or no cause. In view of this, I normally would concede; however, could the word 'need' be construed to mean 'if you do not sign, then employment may be withheld'? Could this be undue influence?
Is this document considered a contract inasmuch as only my name appears on it?
One day a co-worker called my boss up to say I quit, though I did not articulate anything remotely similar. Then when I appeared for work, he said he thought I quit and that was why he called the manager.
Upon timely arrival for work, I was told, "We have coverage for your shifts." I asked if this was permanent of my direct report, and the response was, "I do not know, just in general." The one who fired me was the office manager. The one who said "I do not know" is my supervisor.
So, do the circumstances surrounding my termination have merit? Or does the signed document indemnify my employer? There is more, but I would like to see if the document is their ace in the hold. To me, it seems it is.
Much appreciation.

