Question By: Wrongful termination in Illinois refers to a situation where an employee's employment is unlawfully terminated by their employer. Under Illinois law, employees have certain rights and protections against arbitrary and discriminatory termination. Wrongful termination can occur when an employer violates these rights or engages in illegal practices during the termination process.
In Illinois, there are various grounds on which a termination may be considered wrongful, including:
Discrimination:
It is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee based on their protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. If an employee can demonstrate that their termination was motivated by such discrimination, it may be deemed wrongful termination.
Retaliation:
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights, such as reporting workplace discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions, filing a workers' compensation claim, or participating in investigations or legal proceedings. Termination in response to protected activity can be considered wrongful.
Breach of Employment Contract:
If an employee has an explicit or implied employment contract that specifies the terms and conditions of their employment, termination in violation of those terms may be considered wrongful. This typically applies to situations where the employer terminates the employee without just cause or fails to follow the proper procedures outlined in the contract.
Violation of Public Policy:
Wrongful termination may occur when an employer terminates an employee for reasons that are contrary to public policy. For example, if an employee is fired for refusing to engage in illegal activities or for reporting illegal practices, it could be considered wrongful termination.
If an employee believes they have been wrongfully terminated, they may have legal remedies available to them. These can include filing a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor or pursuing a lawsuit against the employer for damages, reinstatement, or other appropriate relief.
North Suburban Legal Services LLC, with Their experienced team of employment law attorneys understands the complexities of the law and is dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf. Whether you have experienced discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or a violation of public policy, they are here to provide you with the strong legal representation you need. For more details, visit: https://www.nslslaw.com/how-are-pregnant-workers-protected-from-wrongful-termination.html.
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