At-will employment, Hotel California-style.

• Date: 01 September 2023

The Eagles' classic-rock hit "Hotel California" says, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." A McDonald's franchisee has allegedly taken that sentiment to another level by posting a sign that forbids employees from quitting. The sign reads:

There is some doubt about the authenticity of this story. It initially appeared on Reddit.com, and the person who posted it did not reveal the location of the restaurant where the sign was allegedly hung. It might all be a hoax.

However, we'll take this opportunity to point out the obvious: Putting up such a sign is a monumentally bad idea. Although it offers a nod toward progressive management by encouraging mediation of workplace disputes, preventing employees from quitting is almost universally illegal in the U.S.

At-will employment is the law in 49 states and the District of Columbia. (Montana is the only exception.)

The central tenet of at-will employment is that employers are free to fire and employees are free to quit...