Refusing to Wear a Mask at Work Could Get Employees Fired

Workers who don’t want to wear mandatory face coverings during the pandemic have scant legal options to avoid discipline for failing to comply. That type of mandatory safety measure is a term of employment that can justify a termination if it’s broken.

Follow the Rules: “In essence, they’re saying ‘I really don’t want to work here,’” Katherine Dudley Helms of Ogletree Deakins said of workers who won’t follow masking rules.

Limited Exceptions: Workers might be able to avoid mandatory face-covering requirements in limited circumstances, such as if they have a medical condition or a religious reason that prevents wearing a ...