Employment in the state of North Dakota is mostly considered to be "at-will" employment. "At will" means that for any reason, both the employer or the worker may end the work relationship at any point. The only exception to this are reasons that the law has particularly 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 know the classification of your work setup. In general, employment that is subject to a set period employment contract is not considered to be "at will", and termination may only happen in accordance with procedures outlined in the contract.

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

The most common illegal ground for terminating a North Dakota employee is discrimination. An employer cannot terminate an employee simply for being of a specific race, nationality, religion or gender. Employers in Grafton may also not terminate at-will employees as an act of retaliation if they have filed a legal discrimination claim or initiated an investigation into discrimination.

Additionally, employers are prohibited by the Family and Medical Leave act from firing those employees who take leave in order to address family or medical concerns. 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 North Dakota Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

Local Grafton, North Dakota lawyers can thoroughly inform you regarding whether a wrongful termination has in fact occurred. They can also help you gather the necessary documents for your case, and can guide you through any procedures that may be unique or unfamiliar.