Most employment in Massachusetts considered to be "at-will". This means that either the employer or employee can terminate the employment at any particular moment, and for any reason. The only general exception in "at-will" employment arrangements is that the termination may not be done for reasons which violate 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. Arrangements for employment that are under a defined term contract are not "at will", and can only be terminated according to the clauses contained in the agreement.

What are the Illegal Grounds for Terminating At Will Employment in Massachusetts?

In the state of Massachusetts, employee discrimination is the most common illegal ground for termination in an at-will employment. Employers are barred from terminating their employees on the basis of race, gender, religion, or nationality. An employer in Yarmouth 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 Massachusetts Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

A local Yarmouth, Massachusetts attorney can better inform you about whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and will also help in collecting the appropriate documents for your case. There may also be unique procedures that an attorney can shepherd you through.