Glossary > Employment Law > Employment Rights > General

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination, in plain terms, is when an employer fires an employee for reasons that are considered illegal or against the law. This could include discrimination, retaliation, violation of employment contracts, or firing an employee for exercising their legal rights.

Example #1

For example, if an employee is fired because of their race, gender, religion, or age, that would likely be considered wrongful termination.

Example #2

Another example could be when an employee is fired in retaliation for reporting workplace safety violations to the relevant authorities.

Misuse

An example of misuse of wrongful termination would be if an employer fires an employee after they requested reasonable accommodations for a disability. It's important to protect against wrongful termination because it undermines employee rights and can create a culture of fear in the workplace where employees are afraid to speak up or assert their legal rights.

Benefits

One benefit of protecting against wrongful termination is that it ensures employees are treated fairly and are not subjected to discrimination or retaliation. For instance, by safeguarding against wrongful termination, employees can feel more secure in their jobs and are more likely to report unlawful actions without fear of losing their employment.

Conclusion

Wrongful termination is a serious issue that can have significant implications for employees. By understanding what constitutes wrongful termination and advocating for fair treatment in the workplace, consumers and employees can protect their rights and promote a transparent and equitable marketplace.