Illegal? Or just unethical?

If they were smart they wouldnt fire you because yes you will qualify for unemployment then...It is not illegal to interview and look at your options as long as you are not breaking any company rules or giving away any company secrets...Good Luck...

It's not illegal and it's no more unethical that someone looking for a job while they're already employed by another - meaning it's not.

You have a right to look for a new job and they have a right to fire you - particularly in an at-will state.

In Washington, I'm pretty sure that would not be grounds for an employer to block UI payments if hey fired you.

For example in California, employers are notified when former employees apply for UI and have an opportunity to protest.

It"s neither illegal or unethical to terminate someone's employment if it is discovered they are looking for other employment, especially in an "employment at will" state. It is also generally not required that an employee's actions be illegal to justify termination without unemployment benefits, only that the actions are shown to be in violation of the company's policies. Tread carefully.

In an at-will employment state, they can fire you for "any or no reason", but if you do become unemployed "through no fault of your own", you are entitled to unemployment benefits. That being said, try to keep the boss from finding out you're looking. If you need references, see if you can find a coworker who will say good things and also keep quiet.

Its a free country so far, you can go looking for anouther job anytime you want. I think its unethical for your boss to threaten you, and he may be able to fire you depending on some contract you may or may not have signed when you where hired.

I know with my job i had to sign a contract stating my boss could fire me at anytime for any reason.

witch i think is a real chickin sh!t, contract.

Unethical, if they do fire you you should still get unemployment.