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

It is essential that you find out what type of employment your work is classified as, because employment that is not considered to be "at will" is subject to different restrictions. 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 Missouri?

In the state of Missouri, 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 Odessa employer also is prohibited from terminating at-will employees as a form 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. Finally, employees are protected from being terminated by their employer for performing a legal obligation, exercising their legal rights, or for refusing to participate in an illegal act.

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

A local Odessa, Missouri 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.