A number of misconduct cases have been decided in the last few months and indeed it is surprising that many of these cases were even appealed. For example, in order to make a quota, a jewelry store manager had a subordinate purchase a ring under a significant other’s name and then had it returned the same day. This action was deemed misconduct, disqualifying the person from benefits. Tietz vs. Roger’s Enterprises, Inc. (Minn. App. 2012). In another case, a mail carrier took a piece of mail and used the gift card for his own benefit. Not surprisingly, this was misconduct. Brenna vs. USPS (Minn. App. 2012).

Also, refusal of employees to sign a document acknowledging disciplinary action or signing a performance warning was deemed to be disqualifying misconduct as it was reasonable for the employer to request acknowledgment of these documents, and the employees’ recalcitrance was unjustified. Schneeweiss vs. Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc. (Minn. App. 2012) and Stephens vs. A Marketing Resource, LLC (Minn. App. 2012).