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. An employer in Germantown 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, 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. 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 Wisconsin Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

Attorneys in Germantown, Wisconsin may be able to inform you as to whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and can assist you in preparing the required documents for your case. There may also be unique or unfamiliar procedures, and an attorney can guide you through these as well.