Generally, employees are "at will" and can be fired for any reason or no reason at all; there does not have to be a "good cause" for firing unless otherwise agreed to or implied by the parties' conduct. But the reason for termination cannot be illegal or "wrongful."

If you're a non-governmental employee, you could consider filing a wrongful termination action. Wrongful termination claims are based on one or more of the following concepts:

• wrongful termination in violation of an express agreement to only fire for cause;
• wrongful termination in violation of an implied agreement to only fire for a cause;
• wrongful termination in violation of public policy and/or in violation of a state or federal statute or constitutional provisions; and
• whistleblowing claims.

If you are a union employee covered under a collective bargaining agreement, consult with your union about filing a grievance to challenge your termination. A government employee may have a property interest in his/her job which cannot be taken away without sufficient cause as determined by a court of law.

If you succeed in your claim or grievance, your employer might have to pay back wages, fines, and possible punitive damages or you can be returned to your job.

(Reviewed 9-08)