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 "at-will" employment is that the employment can not be terminated in a manner that breaks the law.
Employment that is not considered "at will" is not subject to the same restrictions, however, and so it is essential to discover whether your employment is so classified. If an employment contract specifying a time for employment is involved for your work agreement, then employment is not "at will", and termination can only be done following the terms of 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 employer in Reading also cannot fire at-will employees in retaliation for the employee filing a claim for discrimination or initiating an investigation of discrimination against the employer.
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. 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?
A local Reading, Pennsylvania 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.