Most employment in Kansas 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. The only exception to this are reasons that the law has specifically outlined as impermissible to use as a basis for employee termination.

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. If an employment contract specifying a time for employment is involved for your work arrangements, 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 Kansas?

The most common illegal ground for terminating a Kansas employee is discrimination. An employer cannot terminate an employee simply for being of a specific race, nationality, religion or gender. A Winfield employer also is prohibited from terminating at-will employees as a method of retaliation if the worker has sought an investigation into discrimination or has filed a legal claim for discrimination against the employer.

Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave act makes it illegal for employers to terminate any of their employees who have taken leave based upon family or medical needs. 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 Kansas Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

A local Winfield, Kansas 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.