Danaher v. Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation

This appeal is rooted in the discharge of John Richard Danaher, appellant, who was terminated from employment in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (“DLLR,” the “Department,” or the “Employer”), appellee, after approximately twenty-five years of State service. Following complaints by three DLLR employees, appellant was fired because of “unjustifiably offensive conduct toward fellow employees.”

The Employer discharged appellant, with prejudice, about one hour after advising him of the allegations of misconduct. Based on procedures applicable to an at-will,…