Most employment is labeled as "at-will" in the state of Wisconsin. This means that an employer or employee is free to end the work relationship at any time and leave the employment organization. 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 crucial 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 Wisconsin?

Discrimination is the most common illegal grounds for terminating an employee in Wisconsin. Employers are not allowed to terminate an employee because of their race, religion, nationality, or gender. Employers in Fond Du Lac may also not terminate at-will employees as an act of retaliation if they have filed a legal discrimination claim or prompted an investigation into discrimination.

Furthermore, employers are prohibited by the Family and Medical Leave act from firing those employees who take leave in order to address family or medical concerns. Lastly, employees are protected from being fired by their employer for performing a legal obligation, exercising their legal rights, or for refusing to participate in an illegal act.

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

A local Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin 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.