The majority of employment relationships in Pennsylvania fall into the category of "at-will" employment. This form of setup means that either employer or the employee is free to end the employment at any time they desire. 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 Pennsylvania?

Discrimination is the most common unlawful grounds for terminating an employee in Pennsylvania. Employers are not allowed to terminate an employee because of their race, religion, nationality, or gender. An Oxford 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.

Furthermore, the Family and Medical leave act prohibits employers from firing employees for having taken leave for family or medical reasons. Lastly, employers may not terminate workers who exercise their legal rights, perform a legal obligation, or refuse to commit an illegal act.

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

Attorneys in Oxford, Pennsylvania may be able to inform you as to whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and can assist you in gathering the required documents for your case. There may also be unique or unfamiliar procedures, and an attorney can guide you through these as well.