Employees can join a company through employment contracts or at-will arrangements. While an at-will status provides fewer protections for an employee, state and federal law does shield workers from wrongful discharge in some cases. If you’ve just been fired under this type of agreement, below are answers to some of the questions you may have about this.

Questions At-Will Employees May Have About Their Rights

What does this designation mean?

In simple terms, “at-will employment” means that employers can fire any worker at any time, without notice or reasons. By the same token, employees are free to quit at any time without legal or financial consequences.

This is unlike contractual employment, which typically comes with terms for termination. 

How do I know if my employment is at-will?

In Missouri, all workers are assumed to be “at-will” employees unless they sign contracts stating that they can’t be fired without cause. Workers who belong to unions, as well as those in the public sector, are not usually considered at-will.

Does the law provide any protections for at-will employees?

Both state and federal statutes forbid employers from firing people based on color, religion, country of origin, sex, and race. You also can’t be fired for reporting the company for regulatory violations, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or complaining about sexual harassment.

What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of unlawful termination?

If you suspect you’ve been fired for one of the illegal reasons mentioned above, collect as much documentation as possible, including copies of performance reviews, dates and times of specific incidents, email exchanges with your employer, and any reports or complaints you’ve made. An attorney may be able to use these files as evidence of wrongful discharge to help you collect compensation for your losses.

If you’ve been the victim of workplace discrimination and wrongful discharge, the attorneys at Henry & Williams P.C. have the background and experience to ensure your rights are protected. They’re dedicated to giving clients throughout West Plains, MO, the aggressive representation they deserve. Call (417) 256-8133 to schedule a consultation or visit their website to view examples of case results.