/ Principles tested?

One day, two shop assistants spotted a man shoplifting. The man walked out of the store and the two employees gave chase. They tackled the shoplifter and got the items back. They were both fired after that.

According to their employers, all employees are aware, and trained, on the standard operating procedures for dealing with shoplifting or theft – which includes ceasing pursuit of a suspected shoplifter once they exit the store. All this is for the safety of both the employee and employer. The employer of course, wouldn't want any of their employees getting injured or even killed at work or their employees causing someone to get injured or killed for shoplifting. All this is mainly to save their ass from a huge lawsuit that may follow.
It is LEGAL to fire an employee but is it right? That's subjective.

From the boss' point of view, he/she works for the company. They owe a fiduciary duty to the company and it is bound by a contract. Firing someone who has gone against the system is good for the company and also potentially saves them from a costly lawsuit. However, if they were to see it from their own moral values, firing someone who did good? How can that be justified?

Lets look at this from an employee's point of view. Most of us grew up knowing to a certain degree whats right and wrong. Stealing is wrong, anyone can tell you that. So for these guys to chase a shoplifter, its only human nature, upbringing or maybe instinct. Then they're hit with the reality of the corporate world where law prevails over logic. You pay for being a hero.

When the day you are put to the test arrives, who will you be?
Human or Machine.