Losing a job is a distressing experience, often leaving individuals feeling it was unjust. However, distinguishing between an unfair dismissal and an illegal one—known as wrongful termination—is crucial. In the United States, it’s estimated that around 150,000 people are victims of wrongful termination each year. Let’s delve into this issue, focusing on what constitutes wrongful termination and how to identify if you’ve been unlawfully dismissed from your job.
At-Will Employment and Its Implications
In many states, such as Arizona, the concept of “at-will” employment prevails. This means employers have the flexibility to terminate employees for almost any reason, barring illegal ones. Understanding your rights within this framework is the first step in recognizing whether your termination falls into the wrongful category.
Identifying Illegal Termination
Several reasons for termination are strictly prohibited by law. These include:
Discrimination
The law protects employees from being fired based on specific characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Proving discrimination can be challenging, as employers rarely cite these reasons explicitly. However, a clean performance record or experiencing discriminatory behavior at work could support a claim of wrongful termination.
Example: If an employee has consistently received positive performance reviews but is suddenly terminated without a clear reason, and if there has been a history of discriminatory remarks towards their race or gender, this could indicate wrongful termination.
Violation of Public Policy
Employers are not allowed to terminate employment for reasons that violate public interests. This includes:
- Taking legally protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Serving in the military or National Guard.
- Voting.
- Serving on a jury.
Example: If an employee is dismissed for taking time off to serve on a jury, this would be considered a violation of public policy, making the termination wrongful.
Retaliation
It’s illegal for employers to fire employees as a form of retaliation for:
- Reporting harassment.
- Highlighting safety or health violations in the workplace.
- Whistle-blowing on illegal activities within the company.
Example: An employee who reports unsafe working conditions and is subsequently fired could have grounds for a wrongful termination case.
Defamation
Termination becomes wrongful if an employer spreads false and harmful information about an employee during or after the firing process. This action can damage an individual’s reputation and hinder their future employment opportunities.
Example: If an employer falsely accuses an employee of theft to justify termination, and spreads this information, the affected employee may have a case for both defamation and wrongful termination.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of wrongful termination is essential for employees navigating their rights in the workplace. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, it’s crucial to gather evidence, such as performance reviews or communications, and consider seeking legal advice. Being informed and prepared can make a significant difference in addressing and overcoming wrongful termination.
J. Horowitz leverages over two decades of experience as a seasoned employment law attorney in Arizona to offer insightful freelance writing on the same subject. After a successful career advocating for fairness and justice in the workplace, J. now dedicates his expertise to writing comprehensive articles, blog posts, and thought leadership pieces that illuminate the complexities of employment law.