Most employment in Michigan 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. Basically, the only limitation or exception in an "at will" employment is that the termination must not conflict with the law.
Employment arrangements that do not qualify as "at will" are not subject to the same limitations and restrictions, so it is important that you know how your work setup is classified. Usually, if your employment arrangement was for a set term, it is not "at will", and the employment can only be terminated according to procedure contained in the contract.
What are the Illegal Grounds for Terminating At Will Employment in Michigan?
In a Michigan at-will employment, discrimination is the most common illegal ground for terminating an employee. Termination by an employer cannot be done on the basis of race, nationality, gender, or religion. Employers in Battle Creek 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.
Additionally, the Family and Medical leave act prohibits employers from firing employees for having taken leave for family or medical reasons. Finally, employers are prevented from firing an employee because they have exercised a legal right, performed a legal obligation, or have refused to do something that is illegal.
Do I Need a Michigan Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?
Attorneys in Battle Creek, Michigan may be able to inform you as to whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and can assist you in collecting the required documents for your case. There may also be unique or unfamiliar procedures, and an attorney can guide you through these as well.