Terry was hired as an assistant manager by the Assurance Manufacturing Company. There was no specific time period related to Terry’s employment. During Terry’s first day at work, the personnel director of Assurance gave Terry a copy of the employee’s handbook. In this handbook,
Assurance stated that no employee would be terminated without a justifiable explanation. Five months after beginning work at Assurance, Terry was notified that after an additional two weeks there would be no further job for Terry at Assurance. When Terry asked why this termination was occurring, the personnel director told Terry, “Under state law no reason for termination has to be given. In essence, you are an employee only for as long as Assurance desires.” What is the best argument Terry can make that the employment-at-will doctrine is not applicable in this situation? Explain.