In Ohio, employment is considered “at-will,” meaning either the employer or employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason at all. However, there are some limitations to this doctrine.
One limitation is that an employer cannot terminate an employee’s employment for discriminatory reasons based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or other protected categories. If an employee believes that their employment was terminated for discriminatory reasons, they may file a discrimination complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Another limitation is that an employer cannot terminate an employee for exercising their legal rights, such as reporting illegal activities or filing a complaint about harassment or discrimination in the workplace. If an employee believes that they were retaliated against for exercising their legal rights, they may file a retaliation complaint with the appropriate agency.
Additionally, if the employer and employee have entered into an employment contract that specifies the terms and conditions of employment, including grounds for termination, the at-will doctrine may not apply. The terms of the employment contract will govern the termination of employment in that situation.
If an employee is terminated in violation of the law or an employment agreement, they may bring a legal claim against their employer for wrongful termination. Consulting with an attorney who is knowledgeable about Ohio employment law can provide helpful advice and guidance as to the best course of action in such a situation.
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