Most employment in Missouri 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. In "at will" employment, the only general exception is that the reasons for termination must not be illegal or in violation of the law.

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. In general, employment that is subject to a set period employment contract is not considered to be "at will", and termination can only happen in accordance with procedures outlined in the contract.

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

The most common illegal ground for terminating a Missouri employee is discrimination. An employer cannot terminate an employee simply for being of a specific race, nationality, religion or gender. A Greene County 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.

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

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

A local Greene County, Missouri 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.