Tameny v. Atlantic Richfield Co.

Opinion

TOBRINER, J.

Plaintiff Gordon Tameny instituted the present action against his former employer, Atlantic Richfield Company (Arco),1 alleging that Arco had discharged him after 15 years of service because he refused to participate in an illegal scheme to fix retail gasoline prices. Plaintiff sought recovery from Arco on a number of theories, contending, inter alia, that Arco’s conduct in discharging him for refusing to commit a criminal act was tortious and subjected the employer to liability for compensatory and punitive damages under normal tort principles.

Arco demurred to the…