Most employment in Maine considered to be "at-will". This means that either the employer or employee can terminate the employment at any particular moment, and for any reason. Essentially, the only limitation or exception in an "at will" employment is that the termination must not conflict with the law.

Employment that is not considered "at will" is not subject to the same restrictions, however, and so it is critical to discover whether your employment is so classified. If an employment contract specifying a time for employment is involved for your work agreement, then employment is not "at will", and termination can only be done following the terms of the contract.

What are the Illegal Grounds for Terminating At Will Employment in Maine?

Regarding terminating a Maine employee, discrimination is the most common illegal reason. An employer may not fire an employee just because they are of a particular race, religion, gender, or nationality. An employer in Lewiston also cannot fire at-will employees in retaliation for the employee filing a claim for discrimination or prompting an investigation of discrimination against the employer.

Additionally, according to the Family and Medical leave, employers are prohibited from firing employees who take leave for family or medical purposes. Lastly, employers are prevented from terminating an employee because they have exercised a legal right, performed a legal obligation, or have refused to do something that is illegal.

Do I Need a Maine Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

A local Lewiston, Maine attorney can better inform you about whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and will also help in collecting the appropriate documents for your case. There may also be unique procedures that an attorney can shepherd you through.