Minnesota is an “at-will” employment state, and as such, this gives both employers and employees certain rights. Employees are allowed to quit a job at any time, but employers are also able to fire a worker with no notice. At Neaton & Puklich, P.L.L.P., we understand the rights and protections employees have in regards to employment, as defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
If you feel you were fired without a justifiable reason, you may be able to take your matter to court. This is, in fact, one of the major reasons employees file lawsuits against former employers. A manager or business owner may have a legitimate reason for firing someone, such as poor work performance, not getting along with co-workers or customers, consistently coming in late or not showing up for work, or even stealing company equipment. However, there are just as many reasons that employers falsely terminate those in their employment. These can include employer retaliation or discrimination.
The California Chamber of Commerce has provided a list of the most common reasons workers file lawsuits against employers, any of which can result in wrongful termination. These include:
- Disputes over hourly pay, particularly if the employer classifies all employees as exempt from overtime
- Terminating an employee for taking a leave of absence
- Harassment or discrimination based on gender, sexual preference, age or race
- Unfair or strict non-compete agreements
If you feel you have been discriminated against or wrongfully fired, it can help to consult with an employment lawyer. For more information, visit our page on wrongful termination.