Many people wonder if they can do anything about being unfairly fired because they were “at-will” employees. An “at-will” employee means that your employer can fire you at any time for almost any reason. You can also quit at any time for any reason without penalty.
“At-will” Exceptions to Getting Fired
Like many rules there are exceptions. Here are some examples.
- Discrimination. In most cases the law in Arizona prohibits an employer from firing anyone, including, “at-will” employees, based on unlawful discrimination. In some rare instances this does not apply. You should check with an employment lawyer to ensure whether it applies in your case. Otherwise, unlawful discrimination includes being fired for the following reasons.
- Race.
- Color.
- Religion.
- Sex.
- Pregnancy.
- Sexual orientation.
- National origin.
- Age.
- Disability.
- Medical or genetic condition.
- Retaliation. It is illegal in Arizona to fire someone because they complained about one of the above forms of discrimination about themselves or others.
- Family Medical Leave. It is illegal to fire someone because they requested or took a leave absence from work under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Contracts. If you had a signed contract, you should contact an employment lawyer for advice on whether the employer violated the contract. Sometimes a contract is verbal or implied. If you were fired for violating an implied contract, such as a verbal agreement or an Employee Handbook, you should contact an employment lawyer for advice on whether you have a claim.
- Labor Unions. Another exception is if you were a member of a labor union. In that case, an employment lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights under the union contract or if the union will not help you. An employment lawyer can also assist you in working with the union.
In many cases, the employer will not tell you the true reason that you have been fired. If you believe that one of the above applies to you, you should seek legal guidance.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
When it comes to looking for legal help with unlawful termination, Weiler Law PLLC is here to help. Our team of attorneys understands the complexities involved in these cases and is dedicated to providing the best possible representation. We can work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that your rights are protected.