Understanding wrongful termination, a situation where an employer dismisses an employee in a way that infringes upon their legal rights and protections, is of utmost importance for every employee. This knowledge empowers you, as an employee, to recognize when your rights are being violated. It’s crucial to know that several significant grounds can constitute wrongful termination:
Discrimination, a form of wrongful termination, is not just a violation of the law; it’s a clear violation of the law. It’s always illegal to terminate an employee based on discriminating factors such as race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, pregnancy status, or other protected characteristics. This underscores the importance of fairness and justice in the workplace, ensuring everyone is always treated equally and respectfully.
Breach of Contract: If an employee is under a valid employment contract, termination may be wrongful if it violates the terms of that contract without cause.
Retaliation is a serious form of wrongful termination. It occurs when an employee is terminated for exercising a legal workplace right, such as filing discrimination/harassment complaints or whistleblowing. This is not just unfair, it’s illegal. Understanding this concept can help you, as an employee, make informed decisions about your actions in the workplace.
Public Policy Violations—Firing an employee for refusing to perform unlawful acts, taking legally protected leave, or taking other actions protected by public policy may be wrongful.
While employers typically have the at-will right to terminate for any non-discriminatory reason, it’s important to remember that wrongful termination exists where the firing violates employee protections in law or contract. This means that employees are not left without recourse. Wrongfully terminated employees may have grounds to file suit against their former employer for reinstatement, back pay, damages, and more. This knowledge provides a sense of security and protection in the workplace.