Can My Boss Fire Me at Any Time for Any Reason? What is “at will”? (2023)
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At-Will”. California is an “at-will” employment state. What does this mean? In most cases, it means that your boss can fire you at any time for almost any reason or no reason at all. She can fire you because she
- doesn’t like you
- thinks you’re too tall or short
- thinks you talk too much or too little
- is upset you didn’t say “Good Morning” to her in the right way
- is mad you made the coffee too strong and forgot the cream
- dislikes your shirt
- thinks you’re too fat or thin
- thinks you’re too ugly or good-looking
- mistakenly thinks you did something that you didn’t
- is in a bad mood and you happen to be the closest one to her
- and on and on.
But take heart. There are a lot of restrictions on your boss’s power to fire you at will. As the California Supreme Court said in a landmark decision, “”Even where employment is at will, numerous federal and state statutes already impose express limitations on the right of an employer to discharge at will.” [Foley v. Interactive Data Corp., 47 Cal.3d 654, 665, fn. 4.]
Contract. If you and your employer signed a contract regarding your employment, you should examine it carefully. Look for a paragraph called “Termination” which should spell out your boss’s right to fire you. With luck, your contract might say that your boss can only fire you “for cause” (a good reason).
Employee Handbook/Policies. If your employer has employee handbooks, manuals or policies, you should examine it carefully. Courts have held that these documents are to be treated as contracts between you and your employer. Look for a section called “Termination” and see what your rights are.
Union Agreements. If you’re in a union, they may have entered into a collective bargaining agreement with your employer that lays out the circumstances under which your boss can fire you. That agreement may be binding on your boss.
Illegal Reasons. Your boss cannot fire you (or force you to resign) for illegal reasons. Following is just a partial list of illegal reasons:
- in harassment based on or discrimination against your “race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation” [California Fair Employment & Housing Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964]
- in retaliation for your blowing the whistle on illegal or improper conduct [California Labor Code 1102.5; California Health & Safety Code 1278.5; etc.]
- in retaliation for your taking family medical leave [California Family Rights Act; U.S. Family Medical Leave Act]
- in retaliation for your applying for workers’ compensation for a work-related injury [California Labor Code 132a]
- in retaliation for your union activity or participating in union investigations [National Labor Relations Act]
- for participating in an investigation for discrimination or harassment [California Fair Employment & Housing Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964]
If you think any of the above applies to your situation, talk to a lawyer right away.
I work over 14 years and i get accident to my work they pay my work compensation for 2years due to my medical condition injury from work-and i got the notice that will ended. is the employer paid me for end of service like gratuity.
In January 8, 2019, I was placed on a 6 weeks performance plan by my employer, for not meeting the company expectations. Were scheduled to meet on Feb 13th, to see if I had met the goals set forth by him, on the 20th, he didn’t have all the proper documentation needed in order to make a decision. He asked his assistant to gather all the information needed in order to make the right choice.
We met on the 15th and he was surprised that some of the goals were met in such little time, we discussed the matter of how I was able to meet some of the goals. He asked that I think about it if I wanted to stay or not and we would touch base once again on the 22nd of Feb. Will we talked and I told him I would like to finish off the month of February and collect my commission which ends on the 28th
He then started well we have new employees and he would like to have me on the floor until they are ready to go around 15th of March, I said fine I can do that.
Well On the 13th, March we met up again and once again, he wasn’t prepared didn’t have any of the paperwork of my progress but he brought my departure date was again he stated well I don’t want you to go thru a training that scheduled on the 20th of this month. So I then showed him how I was coming along and he was very impressed by my number that he stated that he would talk to his manager to see if I should just stay or leave and he scheduled an appointment for us to meet on the 18th of March.
Well, he didn’t show had another prior meeting at this time I’m on pin’s and needles this is twice that he pulled this on me it’s like he’s playing Russian roulette, I’ve reviewed other co-worker performance and they are nowhere close to the expectation he set forth for me. I believe he doesn’t like me and is playing these game fire me or let’s stop having these meeting :SUPER STRESSED OUT”
My friend was recently fired by her company. She worked as a part-time receptionist in a company. She has worked there for over a year. On 2/15/19 she was given a pay check and the supervisor told her that date is her last day without giving her any reasons. Does her employer required to give her 2-weeks notice or to give her severance pay? Can a employer fired any employee at any time during her employment? When she was employed, she didn’t sign any employment contract. According to her she didn’t do anything against the company’s policy. Can she sue her company for unlawful termination? Your legal advice is much appreciated. Thank you.
I currently work at costco been ther for 17 yrs and they are looking to fire me over a in house inspection. The inspector found that I has signed off a sheet a paper before Inspected the item..which was a sticker on a pump not a state or federal sticker but a costco sticker…to make sure no one inadvertently opens up the fuel pump..which I was trained to perform this duty because its an hourly inspection and sometime it gets really busy at time and we use a timer ti notify us to.make sure and check the pumps..the form is kept in the office area..anyways the costco inspector eent through my work area and found my vape pen charging along with my bluetooth speaker I only use at break time..knowing an at will employment. But mind you I havent had a wrtie up the whole time I been there Is there anything that can be done to save from being fired or can they fire without warnings..thanks for the input..
Hey so I was wondering if there is anything I can do about my current situation. I’ve worked for this place for 7 years. I switched from full time to part time. I currently asked for 2 weeks off and was told the days requested were black out days (meaning no one can take off) if I did not show up to those shifts I would no longer be put on the schedule. I asked for time of 2 weeks in advance. And only work part time. This is not the first time I’ve been told I would not be put on the schedule. I’ve been told this many times when calling in and because of not giving them my other work schedule on time. Is there anything I can do about it
I had a bumpy 6 months in a job I ended up being “laid off” for “position elimination”. During the 6 mo I was there, I was a victim of bullying by my supervisor, she was rude and condescending and did everything she possibly could to make my life miserable and uncomfortable. This included not approving vacation, denying a transfer request to move to another department. This supervisor was hired into that position – one which I had also applied for – I contacted HR to ask why when I showed up for the interview I was informed that the person who was to interview me would not be attending the interview as she “already had someone in mind for the job”. It is also known that this person hired did not meet all of the required qualifications for the job. However, I was overlooked and denied an interview. I was never provided any type of response as to why this happened. The CNO who hired the bullying supervisor went as far as to pull me into her office and in a round about way “threaten my job”. Unfortunately, I did not have a witness with me, I was completely blindsided by this. She felt the need to do this despite the fact she was leaving her job 2 days later to move on to another facility. Another factor, I was given a 90 day evaluation that was glowing. 2 weeks later under the orders of the CNO, I was given another 90 day evaluation that rated me as “poor” on all levels. This was a completely false evaluation and obviously given in retaliation. Mysteriously, the original evaluation was no where to be found. After both the CNO and bullying supervisor left, there was a brief period of time where things seemed to settle down. Also, to mention, the 5 full time persons had begun discussions with the union representatives to have our small group join the union. I have no proof that management did or didn’t know about this, however, I feel they did. Then out of the blue on 10/1 I along with 2 other employees were told effective immediately our jobs were eliminated. I was offered a 5 week severance and told I could apply for any posted jobs and would be considered as an internal applicant during my severance period. I had applied for several position for which I was definitely qualified and 1 by 1 I was not considered for any of the jobs. Communications with HR only told me that union candidates were to be considered before me (non union). This I understood, however, through persons I know working in the departments which I applied, I found out that external applicants were offered the positions. To this HR has no response. The other positions I applied for I have no idea if they truly were given to internal/union candidates or not. As a highly experienced/qualified nurse, I feel I am being BLOCKED from being hired. I believe there is illegal events occurring in both the hiring and termination of me, and who knows how many others have been bullied, discriminated and harassed by this large corporation. I am not sure if I have legal standing to move forward with this any further. My gut is telling me this is not right! My 5 week severance period is completed and I remain unemployed despite my efforts. I am now forced to file for unemployment pay to help me sustain while I continue to look for work elsewhere. I have made a few attempts to request to view my employee file and not one person from HR has returned my emails. I fear the bogus poor evaluation may be in my file and I need to rectify that matter also. As you can imagine, I am very frustrated and at a loss as to what to do next.
Wow. You are a piece of work. The only one drinking kool aid is you. I’ve been on management for years. I’ve seen employers play all kinds of games with people. Obviously there are people who don’t really have a case but there are others who absolutely do. You’re input was not only pointless and irrelevant but reveals quite a level of emotional and intellectual immaturity.
I’m done.
We have manager for almost 2years she fought with attny and his friend often finally she left witout notification and same day after business hour she came back with stranger took her staff with office documentation . We never know she has own office key and she threatning attorney at that time. Now we try to mediate with third party but she keeps saying she is the one build business and unpaid for overtime and weekend work also mentally heart as work
We never know she works on weekend and overtime because she usually didnt come to work more thatn 3 or 4days in a month
Please give me some idea what is the best way we can protect our company
I strongly recommend you consult with an attorney who can help you. Your scenario is actually quite complex.
I have a question regarding “suspension” at an “at will” job (California). I was suspended for three days after a car accident (on the clock & in customers vehicle). I hit a low cinder block wall that I couldn’t see over the steering wheel (not allowed to adjust customers seats). The homeowner was notified and supervisor. They had me and the employee with me write a statement and a drug test. That same day they had me sign a suspension notice that started that day (already worked 8 hours). The drug test hadn’t come in yet and yes I will pass it. I find it odd that they have never disciplined other employees in this manner for car accidents (this shocked many employees). Something tells me due to being an “at will” employee this is legal. Is it and can they start my suspension after working 8hrs already (meaning I lose that pay for that work I did)? Would their handbook after to say that an employee can be suspended for car accidents?
The Human Resource Manager is also my bosses wife. In the past I have filed complaints regarding harassment and illegal deductions from my paychecks. She has habitually stonewalled any investigation into any complaint against her husband or our employer regarding unethical treatment of employees. The conflict of interest applies in so as it is stated in the employee handbook. I have a class action lawsuit pending in regards to hour and wage violations but the harassment, retaliation for whistle blowing is another case. Are there any laws put in place to protect employees from this obvious conflict of interest? In the end I became a target and eventually terminated for no reason.
Is it legal for an employer to require mandatory 12 hour days for the next 7 days and if unable state that it could result in termination?
I was fired because I “threatened” a coworker.
I found out he has an affair with my wife, so I was angry and sent him a vaguely angry text, off the clock (11pm) on his personal cell phone. The next day, he went to our supervisor saying that he felt unsafe because of the text.
So my company fired me because I “threatened” an employee.
My text said, “hope to God that I never see you because there will be consequences”.
The company was fully aware of the entire situation, and still decided to fire me over it.
Do I have any possible case here?
Obviously this seems completely unfair to me…
Well, I’m so sorry for what happened to you, that is just awful. But as much as it pains me to say this, I can see the company’s point of view. Your text is a threat – you threaten “consequences” if you see a co-worker again, which seems likely since you work together. To avoid a potentially violent workplace incident, the employer is preemptively firing you. I can’t fault you for what you did, who could? And getting terminated just adds insult to injury. But I doubt there is a legal claim against the employer here, unless there is something else to your situation I’m missing.
No, you do not have a case. Employers take threats very seriously. It is NEVER ok to make any type of threat, no matter the reason.
I was recently just fired for no reason. The last time I worked my manager said I was no longer allowed to study at work or have homework out. I asked him what was the issue with it now? Because it never seemed to be a problem. And he just responded I’m not longer allowed. So if I had to leave then I can or I can stay to work my shift? So I told him I was going to just not work that night since I had a big exam the next day. He said okay. The next time I go into my shift, he hands me my last check. He said I was being fired and when I asked him my reason, he couldn’t give me one. Is he in the right for firing me since California is an “at-will” State.
I hate to say it, but I think your employer was in the right. It’s not unreasonable for the employer to ask you not to study or do homework while you’re on the clock and being paid by him. And while you have the right to leave your shift early because of your exam, that could be deemed job abandonment or a voluntary quit, if not grounds for termination.
I need an answer to another question …im sorry. Can my supervisor keep changing my days off??
Hello
can your employer’s have so much work for you, that the only way you can stay afloat, not ahead, but afloat is work almost 50 hours per week? I’ve been working this since May. There are 3 in the department, the other 2 are newer in department, but also work the same. In the last 3 weeks I’ve not worked Saturday’s. I’m falling behind because I’m not working on Saturday. My boss looks for ways to write me up. She even said she received an email saying they hate me. In over 40 years of working (I’m 61) I’ve NEVER been written up, with her 3 times in 2 years.
When do you go to the HR department?
Will I get in more trouble for going to HR?
I went out on medical for 4 days 3 weeks ago, (stress)going back saying to myself I’ll onkywork 40 hours. But I’ve fallen behind, can’t get the work done. I go in at 6:45am, leave at 6:00pm. Or 7am leave at 5pm.
Why doesn’t HR see all the hours?
Am I protected if I go to HR and complain?
What are my rights?
I’ve always been the good employee, but this department, this boss is unreal.
Oh we work with dealers, funding their loans, and cannot tell them we are busy, just “We are trying our best to get this funded as quickly as possible” the rule is you fund the one that’s screaming. I have over 50 loans I’m working on. 30 in my funding queue, one loan take between 45 minutes, and an hour to fund. And they keep piling on more work.
I wake up in the middle of the night worried.
One girl in department brings her 10 year old to work with her on Saturday, she seems likes the overtime,
The other girl is so stressed out too, and has a family. She comes in at 6am leaves at 5:30 pm almost every day.
I have great benefits, including 401k fully vested, work 5 miles from home.
I’d like to stay, but need to know my rights, will I be protected if I go and complain.
This is a tricky question. Employers have the discretion to set your workload. It isn’t against the law to overload an employee. The problem arises if you develop a disability due to being overstressed and overburdened at work. Should that happen, and assuming you and your employee meet the requirements of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (such as the employer having at least 5 employees), go see a doctor and get diagnosed. If your doctor puts you onto a reduced work schedule, the employer must engage in an “interactive process” to determine a “reasonable accommodation” of the work restrictions laid out by your doctor. If they fail to accommodate you, or even punish you, then you should consult a lawyer about filing a disability discrimination lawsuit. So, bottom line: should you develop a disability due to work conditions, consult a disability discrimination lawyer about your specific situation.
I was fired for being rude to a fellow employee. That employee got mad at me for slapping his truck door as he was barreling down this dusty graveled road on his way to dumping that load. I just wanted to let him know where to dump, since I was in charge of placing the loads after they were dumped. he was dumping in the wrong place. After I slapped the side of the truck, which is our employers truck, he comes to a screeching halt, jumps out of the truck, and proclaims “don’t you ever touch my truck again”. I asked him, “why are you treating me like an asshole”. he then shoved me down under the tractor and kicked me twice. I sustained bruises and scrapes on my right leg and bit my tongue. yet I got fired, because my employer says his drivers are a more important asset. I filed a police report a day after it happened, but I haven’t heard back. It has only been 2 days since I filed. What else can I do?
I recommend you contact a workers compensation attorney to discuss filing a possible claim.
I was just terminated from my employer of a decade after reporting my boss for bullying. I spoke with my HR representative and told her that he’s applying rules only to me (I was the only woman in our department) that nobody else in the company had to follow. He also refused to work with me in making reasonable accommodations to ensure I was able to fulfill my obligations. Two months to the day, I was fired. This man caused me so much grief and misery, yet everything I’m reading says he’s in the right. I feel so hopeless.
I’m not sure I agree that he’s in the right. If you were being singled out for being a woman, that is textbook sex discrimination. The problem with these cases is lack of evidence (other than your own oral testimony). Did you make any of the complaints in writing, by chance? Do you have witnesses to your complaints (or the singling out for being female)?
Unfortunately, I don’t really have much proof other than things he had said to me/others about me (he once told a male colleague that I was “extremely sensitive” about doing my job a certain way. He also once told me I had to be “a ray of sunshine” in the office. He did say this in front of two male coworkers and I responded that it was sexist, but I doubt they’d be willing to come forward as one was fired for sexual harassment himself, and the other would likely get fired for not sticking up for the manager). The complaint I made to HR was also oral in her office, and I don’t believe she documented it (the catalyst to this was an email he sent with the HR rep and another higher up that I was intimidated by both cc’ed, which was a common tactic my boss used to intimidate me out of replying. I did reply to my HR rep and tell her I wanted to speak with her regarding the situation, but that’s the only official “documentation” I have, and I know that’s not much). I did document for my own records that I reported him and she dismissed me complete with the date, but that’s about all I have, sadly. I am going to request my personnel records and keep my fingers crossed she documented the complaint, but I don’t believe she did.
There is a conversation from Skype where he yelled at me for contradicting him “in public and in private” and telling me to “keep (my) mouth shut unless what (I) had to say was useful” after I disagreed with him on a minor issue. Again, unfortunately, I doubt my job would be willing to turn that conversation over in an effort to protect him, but I was literally shaking in my chair for a week after that happened.
I wish I had done more. I am kicking myself so hard right now. I didn’t even have a job description and when I told him I wanted one in writing, his response was to smirk and say “I bet you do.” He was very selective on what things he would do in writing as I feel he was setting me up for firing. I don’t even want to go after the company; I just want an acknowledgement of what he did and an apology, but that won’t happen, either.
Sorry this is so long, but thank you for your time.
There were a number of other small things that he would do (not communicate out to stakeholders that I needed to be involved in specific things, leave me out of meetings/emails, etc). He even would force me to walk in front of him while he held the door open (the “ladies first” thing) despite my telling him it made me extremely uncomfortable. He would get visibly/verbally agitated when I would ask him to go instead. I explained that I don’t like it when anybody does it and he told me that he’s not “everybody else” and I needed to comply.
I’m glad I’m out of the situation as I was hoping to quit at the end of the year, anyway, but it disappoints me so much that he’s likely going to get away with it. I guess the “fortunate” part is that he likely won’t hire any other women to work for him so it won’t happen again.
Heather, I think you should consider filing a discrimination complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Click on this link if you want to learn about that: https://calaborlaw.com/filing-a-discrimination-complaint-in-california/
I have been a manager in a nursing home for almost 2 years and while I was on vacation, the administrator hire another manager for the same department. It is causing great confusion and chaos within the dept as no one know who to report to or what duties we as managers are responsible for. I feel like I am being pushed out (not a heartbreaker for me) but I haven’t found a new job yet. My question is…if I give a 30-day notice (as is typical for management) and they ask me to leave early, do they have to pay me the entire 30 days or just the days worked? They also are going to try not to pay me my vacation time as they say I’m not “eligible” since I’m salaried. However, my paystub showed accruing PTO until last pay period, when it mysteriously disappeared. LOL….
Help….:-)
If your vacation time is vested, they do need to pay it out on your final check.
My daughter’ s resturant is closing for 2 weeks to renovate. ( But we know renovations take longer than expected) Is she eligible for unemployment or at least her hourly salary?
I have the same thing happening at the end of next month..will have no income for the two weeks or more they will be closed. Some employees are being asked to come in for a couple of hours/ or days but not two weeks pay everyone will be out of…
I was fired from a job that I had for 12 years. My supervisor told me that if I didnt cut my hair that his boss would fire me like he did the rest of “the longhairs”. I had followed every rule that was in regards to employees having long hair (keep in ponytail,etc) I ended up cutting my hair and two weeks later I was fired for falsifying documents! We were required to list our times and jobsites for every day and start our log at 7am . We started work at 7am and got ready on our own time and left the yard at 7am. Our paperwork starts with our first job begining at 7am and ending whenever we finished. The last job of the day ended at 3:30pm I was told that I cannot be at the last job at 3:30 and in the yard (where we parked our trucks) at the same time and therefor I falsified documents and was fired! Every one else followed the same procedure for thier paperwork as I had for 12 years and was not fired. But they had short hair! I couldn’t be fired because of my hair , so he made up a reason to fire me! That’s how they get around the law. If someone gets promoted and doesn’t like the way you look…….well it sucks to be you!!! They will fire you for a phony reason just because they have no valid reason to let you go.
Is there a law that indicates a maximum weight an employee can carry? Does the law indicate anything heavier than 50 lbs, should be tackled by two people? My son worked for UPS for a week today. His supervisor watched him try to carry over 50lbs of weight which in the process, hurt his back. Then during their break, he was asked if he is hurting. He said yes. Then his supervisor told him,”this job is not of everyone. Either you keep going or quit.” My son took the latter. Is this fair practice?
Have your son refer to a job description. It should indicate weight requirements for his position.
It looks like almost every poster has already drunk on American Kool-Aid. Here is the deal.
I have worked for others since I was 10 years old.
Over time I have been fired at least 1/2 dozen times. (SOME WITH DAMN GOOD REASON).
I’ve owned several businesses and I’ve fired people before.
Look business is a process of bringing in paying customers for your product or service at a profit. This is what creates theses jobs everyone gets fired from.
The problem is most people who are fired are not self reflective enough to realize the role of your job is to increase profit and reduces cost. I you are not good or worst not there you are not fulfilling the role that you applied for and should get axed.
People please don’t get so hungup on your RIGHTS that you ignore your RESPONSIBILITIES. Best believe as a society we rise and fall together.
Im done.
Well said !
Wow. You are a piece of work. The only one drinking kool aid is you. I’ve been on management for years. I’ve seen employers play all kinds of games with people. Obviously there are people who don’t really have a case but there are others who absolutely do. You’re input was not only pointless and irrelevant but reveals quite a level of emotional and intellectual immaturity.
I’m done.
I am an ex employee, but also a customer at a car dealership. I have been unemployed for 4 months. And worked there for 4 months. Just today my fiancé got fired at the same dealership. She has been working at the dealership for 10 months. Just today she had gotten fired for being “Late for work.”
The manager didn’t go through with his contract, so I talked to him two days prior to my fiancé’s last day, he ignored me, so I made a review on Yelp about not following through with the contract, and it seems they fired her because they were upset at me, so they took it out on my fiancé because of the situation.
At Will does not mean At Whim. The reason must not be discriminatory nor retaliatory.
My supervisor sent me an email the subject reading:
Acceptance of Resignation
Lack of communication, no call back from me.
The truth is: I emailed communicating that I would be very busy, curator of big family reunion and had family members coming and going from Thursday they Sunday. It was weekend not to mention my personal time off. I explained I would try to call but it probably wouldn’t or couldn’t happen. Monday was beginning of work week so I would do so then.
He sent me a text stating I needed to contact him ASAP.
I already had told him circumstances and is now stating that I resigned because I was too busy to respond or call him back.
I did respond earlier as mentioned.
I feel sabotoged.
I love my job and how do I take this further and get my job back?
I just got fired after 3 days at a new job because my “personality wasn’t fitting with the team.” 3 days. Barely time to know me. I quit a perfectly decent job for this “amazing opportunity.”
welcome to CA “at will”state
AT WILL or RIGHT TO WORK STATE means absolutely nothing except you have right to apply for job and they have right to fire you for whatever reason they want. And that CA employee handbook of your rights? Meaningless
You can file for unemployment. ou will be granted the uemployment benefits since you were let go not becuase of misconduct
I believe “At-Will” should be strongly looked at by our Government and NOT allowed in ANY State. Firing or demoting someone for little or no reason for any one of the reasons listed above leaves a HUGE gap for employers to practice blatant discrimination. Sex Discrimination, Race discrimination, age discrimination and discrimination against handicapped persons. This “At-Will” gives employers the right to break all these other laws by simply claiming it was their right being an “At-Will” state. Of course any one of the illegal reasons for termination above can be covered up by an employer simply by leaning on the “At-Will” employment state right. Therefore “At-Will” protects and allows employers to virtually get away with practically murder.
It does not allow for any kind of discrimination.
Problem is you’ll never be able to prove they fird oyu for a bad reason.
I was demoted by my area manager because she is resist. She demoted me because she only wants her race to work under her. She didn’t fire me because she has no reason to fire me as i’hv been working from a year. She thought if she demotes me i will leave the work and she won’t have to pay unemployment…
I am working as a general manager and now she wants me to do front desk at motel…
Is it legal by California law..?
Can i complain about this to labor department?
As i am staying in company’s provided apartment and if i work as front desk I’ve to leave the apartment that will be difficult for me because i have a yew old baby.
To: Sohni Kahn, Reference to your acceptance letter or job description!
I got hurt at work I’m waiting on comp hr told me today if my doctor don’t let me return by Friday then I am fired
Hello, you can’t be fired or leg go for as long as you communicate with your office on regards to your injury and as long as you provide the doctors note and your physical restrictions. You can file a complain with the Osha department and labor board in your state. you can be paid by the workers compensation Department, and your medical bills as well and get money if they violated your rights.
Do your re surge on line.
You can not be terminated if you are waiting on Worker’s comp.