When is a Job Termination Considered Wrongful in Pennsylvania?
The majority of employment relationships in Pennsylvania fall into the category of "at-will" employment. This type of setup means that either employer or the employee is free to end the employment at any time they desire. The only exception to this are reasons that the law has specifically outlined as impermissible to use as a basis for employee termination.
Employment arrangements that do not qualify as "at will" are not subject to the same limitations and restrictions, so it is important that you know how your work setup is classified. Work arrangements that are based on an employment contract are often not "at will", and so they cannot be terminated except according to the contract provisions.
What are the Illegal Grounds for Terminating At Will Employment in Pennsylvania?
Discrimination is the most common illegal grounds for terminating an employee in Pennsylvania. Employers are not allowed to terminate an employee because of their race, religion, nationality, or gender. An employer in Harrisburg 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.
Also, under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employers may not terminate employees who have taken leave for family reasons or medical treatment. Finally, employers may not fire workers who exercise their legal rights, perform a legal obligation, or refuse to commit an illegal act.
Do I Need a Pennsylvania Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?
A local Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 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.
Find a a Harrisburg Lawyer that Specializes in Your Area of Need:
There are 514 Employment and Labor Law cases posted in Harrisburg
Cases Posted to LegalMatch listed by ZIP Code:Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Other Pennsylvania Cities
Life in Harrisburg
Harrisburg is located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It has a population of over 49,000 people. The primary industries that drive the city's economy are steel and agriculture. Interestingly, in 2010 Forbes Magazine ranked Harrisburg as the second best place in the United States to raise a family! Another interesting fact is that the popular chocolate company Hershey's has its headquarters located about ten miles outside of Harrisburg.Being ranked as the second best place to raise a family illustrates that Harrisburg is a great city with a community-like spirit. The city is filled with hard-working families. Amongst these families are many attorneys, who practice in various areas of law. These attorneys focus on providing their clients with personalized legal services. Further, these attorneys focus on being affordable. The median income for a household in Harrisburg ranges between $40,000-$50,000. Therefore, affordable legal service is a great thing!
Overall, Harrisburg is a wonderful place to settle down and raise a family. The atmosphere emphasizes a strong community that has a competent legal force.
