Can I be fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal?

In Tennessee, employers may not fire an employee for refusing to do something unethical or illegal. This is due to a legal principle that is known as wrongful termination. Under wrongful termination law, an employer has a duty to treat its employees fairly and not to fire them for any sort of illegal or unethical act. To prove wrongful termination in Tennessee, an employee must show that their firing was done in violation of a clearly established public policy, or that the employer did not have a legitimate economic or business reason for terminating the employee. In Tennessee, employers may not fire an employee for refusing to do something unethical or illegal such as taking part in price-fixing, engaging in fraud, or participating in illegal activities. Refusing to do something that is illegal or unethical is considered by the law to be a protected activity and is the basis of a wrongful termination case. Employees should also be aware that they may be protected from discrimination when they report any kind of unethical or illegal activity in the workplace. The Tennessee Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are responsible for policing discrimination in the workplace. If an employer retaliates against an employee who has reported wrongdoing, they may be held liable for damages in a wrongful termination case. Therefore, it is important for an employee to be aware of their rights when it comes to being fired. It is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee for refusing to do something that is against the law or against accepted standards of ethics. If an employee feels like they have been wrongfully terminated, they may be able to bring a wrongful termination claim against their former employer.

Related FAQs

What is the difference between wrongful termination and layoffs?
Can I be fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal?
Are employers liable for wrongful termination?
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful termination?
What should I do if I think I’ve been unjustly let go?
Can I be wrongfully terminated for reporting safety hazards in the workplace?
What is the difference between wrongful termination and retaliatory discharge?
Is my employer responsible for reinstatement if I am wrongfully terminated?
Can I be wrongfully terminated if I have an employment contract?
What is the difference between wrongful termination and wrongful dismissal?

Related Blog Posts

What Is Wrongful Termination and What Can You Do About It - July 31, 2023
What to Know About Wrongful Termination Lawsuits - August 7, 2023
Understanding Your Rights Under Wrongful Termination Law - August 14, 2023
Is It Illegal to Be Wrongfully Terminated? Unpacking Wrongful Termination Law - August 21, 2023
Everything You Need to Know About Unfair Dismissal in Wrongful Termination Law - August 28, 2023