It depends. In most states of the United States, all employees are considered "at will" employees.

"At will" means that you or your employer can terminate your job on a moment's notice for any reason - good, bad, indifferent -- or no reason at all. Unless the termination violates federal or state law, company policies, or an implied contract, there is very little that an at will employee can do to protest such action.

"For cause" employment means the opposite: the employer cannot discharge the employee without a legitimate reason -hence the term "for cause". Examples of situations where your boss cannot fire you without a good reason include:

(1) your company's employment policy requires for-cause justifications for firings

(2) you have a contract (either implied, oral or written) with the employer that contains such a provision

(3) you are a member of a labor union and protected by a collective bargaining agreement
(4) you are a government employee under the protection of civil service laws

(5) your state’s law prohibits "at will" terminations

A contract to terminate only for "good cause" might be implied by such things as your boss saying that you'll have a job as long as your performance is satisfactory.  If you suspect that the real reason you're being fired is illegal such as discrimination based on gender or race, or complaining about illegal conduct, to name a few, you should contact the nearest federal (EEOC) or state anti-discrimination agency listed in your telephone directory or go on-line.

(Reviewed 9-08)