Section 40 Nature of Action

• Library: Emp-Emp Law 2000

An action for tortious interference with contractual relation would be brought against the person—e.g., a supervisor or an outside third party—causing the termination. The action will lie even though the employment contract is of indefinite duration or terminable at will. Casterline v. Stuerman, 588 S.W.2d 86, 88 (Mo. App. E.D. 1979); Stanfield v. National Elec. Contractors Ass’n, Inc., 588 S.W.2d 199, 202 (Mo. App. W.D. 1979); Eib v. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 633 S.W.2d 432, 435–36 (Mo. App. W.D. 1982). In Eib, the court described the action as one for intentional interference with a noncontractual employment relationship.

A...