Most employees know that a “right to work” also means that their employers have a right to fire them.
Some might not realize, however, that there are some very specific reasons that are strictly forbidden for employers to use as the basis of termination.
What is a wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination means that you were fired illegally. This can include being fired due to your race, religion, gender or some other protected status. It can also include retaliation for whistleblowing or filing a complaint about discrimination. It can also include terminations related to an employee’s refusal to do something illegal, and it can include other cases where the firing violates either the company’s own policies or the public’s interest.
It’s sometimes possible to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if you’re forced to quit a job because of an employer who’s making the job unbearable. This is known as a constructive discharge, which means that things at work are so bad that any reasonable person wouldn’t be able to stand what’s going on.
What can employees do about wrongful termination?
People who think that they have been victims of wrongful termination should learn about the options that they have for handling this situation.
You may even opt to take legal action against the employer. There are specific steps that you must take to do this, so be sure that you work closely with an attorney who is familiar with these matters. This can help to ensure that you know your options and that you make the decisions that are in your best interests.