What does “at-will” employment mean?
In general, “at-will” employment means that an employee does not have a formal employment contract, allowing the employer to terminate the employee for almost any reason, at any time, without advance notice.
While this might seem to grant employers broad powers, the reality is more complex. There are clear limits to when and why an employer can terminate an employee, especially under federal and state laws designed to protect workers’ rights.
Can Your Employer Wrongfully Terminate You in an At-Will State?
No, they cannot legally terminate you for unlawful reasons. In California, several laws protect workers from wrongful termination, even under “at-will” employment. While employers may tell employees they can be fired “at any time, for any reason,” there are numerous exceptions and protections provided by state and federal laws, including:
