Opinion ID: 4204166
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: INDOT’S Employees Become At‐Will Employees

Text: Before July 1, 2011, INDOT employees were considered “non‐merit employees.” As such, they could appeal suspen‐ sions, demotions, and terminations imposed on them and INDOT would need to show “just cause” for the discipline to be upheld. On July 1, 2011, Indiana state law changed and INDOT employees became “unclassified employees.” An un‐ classified employee “is an employee at will …” and “may be dismissed, demoted, disciplined, or transferred for any rea‐ son that does not contravene public policy.” Ind. Code § 4‐15‐ 2.2‐24. INDOT employees may still appeal discipline, such as discharge, however INDOT no longer has to show “just cause” for its disciplinary actions. Instead, the burden is now on the former employee to establish that “a public policy ex‐ ception to the employment at will doctrine was the reason for the employee’s discharge.” Ind. Code Ann. § 4‐15‐2.2‐42.