In Arkansas, most employment is considered "at will". This form of employment follows the principle that either the employer or the employee may terminate the relationship at any point, for any reason. The only exception to "at-will" employment is that the employment can not be terminated in a manner that breaks the law.

Employment not falling in the "at will" category is subject to different limitations and requirements, so you should be sure to know the classification of your work setup. 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 Arkansas?

The most common illegal ground for terminating an Arkansas employee is discrimination. An employer cannot terminate an employee simply for being of a specific race, nationality, religion or gender. An employer in Washington County also cannot fire at-will employees in retaliation for the employee filing a claim for discrimination or initiating an investigation of discrimination against the employer.

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

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

In Washington County, Arkansas, a lawyer will be able to notify you about whether you are a victim of wrongful termination, and they will be able to guide you in collecting the necessary documents. Sometimes there can be procedures that are unique, and a lawyer can guide you in these as well.