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

Employment not falling in the "at will" category is subject to different limitations and requirements, so you should be sure to learn the classification of your work setup. Generally, if your employment arrangement was for a set term, it is not "at will", and the employment can only be terminated according to procedure contained in the contract.

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

In the state of Michigan, employee discrimination is the most common illegal ground for termination in an at-will employment. Employers are prohibited from terminating their employees on the basis of race, gender, religion, or nationality. An employer in Ottawa County also cannot fire at-will employees in retaliation for the employee filing a claim for discrimination or seeking an investigation of discrimination against the employer.

Furthermore, according to the Family and Medical leave, employers are prohibited from firing employees who take leave for family or medical purposes. Lastly, employers cannot fire employees who are simply exercising a legal right, performing an obligation under law, or refusing to do an illegal act.

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

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