Starzynski
Starzynski v. Capital Public Radio, Inc.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Sims, J.
Beginning in 1979, plaintiff Charles Starzynski was employed as program director for Sacramento radio stations KXPR and *36 KXJZ, which are owned and operated by defendant Capital Public Radio, Inc. (CPR).
Plaintiff was orally assured by his supervisor, Phil Corriveau, that plaintiff’s employment could be terminated only for good cause.
In December 1991, plaintiff signed an “Employment At-Will Contract And Acknowledgement Form,” which expressly stated in part: “I understand and agree that my employment is At-Will and that either KXPR/KXJZ or I may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. I understand further that only the Board of Directors, by affirmative action, has the authority to change or make any agreement contrary to this at-will employment relationship.”
Three days after plaintiff signed the agreement, his supervisor, Corriveau, again advised plaintiff that, notwithstanding the agreement, plaintiff’s employment would not be terminated as long as his performance was satisfactory.
Plaintiff resigned from employment in January 1998. He later filed a complaint against CPR alleging wrongful discharge on the…