Employment At Will

Most work between an employer and an employee is performed under the “Employment at Will” principle. That is, either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any or no reason. This means that an employee may be fired without explanation or just cause and for such reasons as personality conflicts or differing political views. Though this is the rule in most workplaces, it does not apply to unionized workers, civil service workers, or workers with contracts.

There are some exceptions to employment at will. An employer may not fire an employee if doing so would violate a specific law, such as the discrimination laws of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or a recognized public policy. Further, employers may not retaliate against their employees for engaging in protected workplace activities or for making certain claims for benefits.