Can my employer fire me without giving me a reason?
Yes. Connecticut, like most states, is an “at will” state. This rule means that employers can fire employees “at will” or without having a reason to do so. Of course, most employers don’t behave this way. Most employers have reasons to fire people. The point here is that employers can simply decide to let you go even if you haven’t done anything wrong or performed your job badly. They can simply fire you without stating a reason or by stating simply that “it isn’t working out.” The reason I am able to help people who have been fired is because there are many exceptions to this general rule.
They include:
- Discrimination (race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability)
- Violation of a contract
- Negligent misrepresentation
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Whistle Blower
- Retaliation for exercising your legal rights
- Defamation
Firing you for complaining about Sexual Harassment, and others. Keep in mind that there is usually a reason for the termination. The trick is proving that it is an illegal reason. Proof can include the timing of a termination (e.g., one week after you called OSHA), euphemisms (referring to you as “Pops”), witness testimony or remarks in your performance reviews.