Unfortunately for many workers, most employers are within their rights to fire an employee for no reason. There are caveats to this, but at-will employment allows termination with or without just cause. Speak with an Atlanta wrongful termination lawyer for more information.

Can My Employer Fire Me With No Reason?

Depending on the circumstances of your employment your boss can generally fire you with or without just cause. If your employment is at-will then yes, your employer can terminate you without a reason. However, if you have a written or oral contract then the situation becomes slightly more complex.

At-will employment is a type of relationship between the employer and the employee. This is the most common form of employment, where employees can quit their job at any time and for any reason and the employer can terminate the employee at any time and for any reason. This type of employment can be both beneficial and harmful to both the employer and the employee.

If you have a contract with your employer then they cannot fire you whenever they want. A contract will include the amount of money you are paid and the work you are expected to do. It typically lists a start and end date. Your employer cannot breach your contract by attempting to fire you before the date stated in your contract.

What is Wrongful Termination?

While at-will employment gives employers the right to fire a worker for generally any reason, there are a few instances where they can face legal repercussions for terminating an employee. Wrongful termination is any firing that violates a law or public policy. The following are some illegal reasons for firing an employee.

• Discrimination: Federal and state laws prohibit employment decisions, including termination, from being based on protected characteristics including race, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, and more. It is illegal to be fired based on any of these.
• Retaliation: You cannot be fired in retaliation for reporting discrimination, sexual harassment, etc. If you made a report and were suspiciously fired soon after it could be wrongful termination.
• Breach of contract: As stated above, your employer cannot violate your contract, whether oral or written, by terminating you against the agreement previously made.
• Whistleblower retaliation: Certain employers are protected from retaliation for “blowing the whistle” on an employer for immoral or illegal conduct. Termination as retaliation for making a report is unlawful.
• Refusing to commit a crime: If your employer or a coworker tries to coerce you into performing an illegal or immoral action you cannot be fired for refusing.

Even in an at-will employment relationship, the above are all examples of illegal firing practices. If your boss claims there is no reason for your termination but you believe it is unlawful, you may be able to pursue legal action.

Speak to a Skilled Employment Lawyer

Contact an experienced lawyer if you believe your employment rights have been violated. Your attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit.