The majority of employment relationships in Texas 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 general exception in "at-will" employment arrangements is that the termination may not be done for reasons which violate the law.

Employment that does not fall into the category of "at will" is not subject to the same restrictions. Thus, it is essential that you identify what type of employment arrangement you are involved in. Work arrangements that are based on an employment contract are often not "at will", and so they cannot be terminated except according to the contract procedures.

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

The most common illegal ground for terminating a Texas employee is discrimination. An employer cannot terminate an employee simply for being of a particular race, nationality, religion or gender. An employer in Grapevine also cannot fire at-will employees in retaliation for the employee filing a claim for discrimination or prompting an investigation of discrimination against the employer.

Furthermore, under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employers may not terminate employees who have taken leave for family reasons or medical treatment. Lastly, employers are prevented from terminating an employee because they have exercised a legal right, performed a legal obligation, or have refused to do something that is illegal.

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

A local Grapevine, Texas 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.