Court dismisses former executive's negligence and tortious interference claim against Ford Motor Company

William Burger appealed after his claims against Ford Motor were summarily dismissed by the trial judge.  Like most workers in the state, Burger was an "at-will" employee under Michigan law, having no property right or expectation in his job or continued employment.   When he was discharged, he argued that misconduct by Ford, and particularly by George Weber, had interfered with his job and with his relationship with an outside company.  Weber, after being charged with conducting a search to fill Burger's job, ultimately assumed the position, himself.

The Appeals Court held that Burger had raised no genuine issue of material fact justifying the submission of his claim to a jury.  It held that Ford Motor had violated no right of Burger's which Michigan law recognizes.