Is it legal for an employer to terminate an employee without cause?

In Tennessee, it is not always legal for an employer to terminate an employee without cause. Tennessee is an “at-will” employment state, which means that either the employee or employer may end the employment relationship at any time and for any reason. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. An employer may not terminate an employee for reasons that violate federal or state law or for reasons that go against public policy. This includes terminating an employee for a reason such as their race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or age. Terminating an employee for filing workers’ compensation claims or for whistleblowing are also prohibited. Additionally, employers may not terminate an employee for refusing to commit an illegal act or for engaging in certain protected activities. This can include activities such as taking time off for jury duty or voting. Employers also may not terminate an employee for exercising their rights, such as requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability or religious practice. Ultimately, it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee without cause if the termination is related to a legally-protected characteristic or activity. If an employee believes that their termination was wrongful, they should seek legal advice to determine if their rights have been violated.

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Is it legal for an employer to terminate an employee without cause?

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