Termination is never easy, and it can be uncomfortable and even traumatic. However, there are several myths about wrong termination that employees often have. By dispelling these, you can help them understand the reason behind a dismissal. Here are the top misconceptions:
- Any termination that seems unreasonable amounts to wrongful termination. Unless an employee has a contract, he or she can practically be fired for any reason. However, if the contract requires a termination cause and the employee isn’t given one, this may constitute a viable wrongful termination claim.
- I can be legally fired for publicly admitting I voted for a certain candidate. There are some legal protections regarding free expression of political beliefs.
- Workplace discrimination laws are only for minorities and women. Everyone with a unique gender, race, religion, natural origin, citizenship status, marital status, or medical history has a right to protection under workplace discrimination laws.
- It isn’t possible to establish that I was fired in retaliation for speaking against an illegal practice at the workplace.
- If I quit, I cannot sue my employer.
- All employees over a certain age are protected by employment law.
- My employer will settle quickly because they care about their reputation.
