Jack D. Knight v. American Guard & Alert

Jack Knight worked as a security guard for American Guard & Alert, Inc. (AGA), a security company, guarding the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. In 1980, AGA fired Knight for reasons which are the center of this dispute. AGA contends that it terminated Knight because he was an unfit employee. Knight alleges that AGA fired him in retaliation for informing Alyeska, the pipeline operator, that other AGA security guards were drinking and abusing drugs on the job. He therefore argues that the firing was not for just cause. He also alleges that Alyeska tortiously interfered with his employment contract by Concurring in the decision to fire him and refusing to provide him with an alternate job on the pipeline. At the close of Knights case, the trial court dismissed Knights complaint against AGA for failure to state a claim and directed a verdict against Knight on his claim against Alyeska. We reverse the dismissal of Knights case against AGA, but affirm the directed verdict in favor of Alyeska.