The reason many employers prefer hiring employees on at-will basis is the flexibility it allows. Employers may terminate at-will employees as they see fit, generally speaking. However, there are important exceptions.
Certain laws and regulations prevent employers from firing at-will employees for certain reasons. If an employer violates one of these laws, the employee can file a wrongful termination lawsuit. In Illinois, these are known as “at-will standards” and include:
- Termination that occurs because of the employee’s race, religion or sex.
- Termination that violates the terms of an employment contract.
- Termination that violates federal paid leave established by federal law, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Retaliatory termination that occurs because an employee reported illegal conduct.
Employees have rights
When you’re abused or mistreated at work, it’s easy to feel abused or isolated. Although you may think there’s no where to turn, employees should know that they have rights. They can file a complaint against their employer which, if successful, could result in a significant financial award.
The fist step is contacting an experienced employment lawyer. They can represent you before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or in federal court. They know the evidence needed to prove the case and can launch a thorough investigation to hold those in power accountable.
Chicago residents shouldn’t hesitate to reach out. If cost is a concern, many lawyers offer a free initial consultation at no out-of-pocket cost to the client. Furthermore, flexible fee arrangements are usually offered with a variety of different financial situations in mind.
