Have you been terminated from your employment in Tennessee? Tennessee is an "at-will" state in which employees may be legally terminated for practically any reason or for no reason at all. This is a particularly delicate employment area in our constantly scrutinized contemporary society. It can be difficult to pursue a claim of wrongful termination, mainly if it is based on actions outside the workplace. Get help from employment lawyers knoxville tn.

What Exactly is an "at-will" Employee?

The concept of "at-will employment" is founded on the notion of voluntary relationships with employers. This means that your connection with an employer is entirely up to you and can be ended without notice, at any point in time, and for any cause – or for no reason at all – by either party – employer or employee.

This means that any "at-will" employee may be let go for any legal reason. This frequently includes an employee's activities outside of work. Exceptions to this would include employment contracts that specify employment parameters and union membership, which also precludes at-will employment.

"Employers may legally discharge an employee at any time, for any reason, or for no reason lacking incurring legal liability," according to Tennessee state law. An employer may not discriminate against an employee based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, color, or disability. Similarly, an employee is free to quit his or her job at any time, for any or no reason, without legal repercussions.

Certain exclusions apply, such that your employer cannot terminate you for the following reasons:

• A military service summons
• Voting
• Associational freedom
• Claiming workers' compensation benefits
• A notice of jury obligation

The Problem with Social Media

Literally, everything in our modern society is shared on social media. Social media is a public forum, and your employer can discover any of your activities there. Examples of common social media posts that can place your job at risk are:

• Negative remarks about your job/employer
• Sharing sensitive information
• Disclosure of your workplace's inner workings
• False postings
• Inappropriate images or postings
• Comments regarding the employment quest
• Appropriating a Rival
• Opinions regarding contentious subjects / political issues or figures

What Can I Do if I Suspect Unfair Dismissal in Tennessee?

If you believe you may have a case for unlawful termination, you have to be able to demonstrate that you were fired in violation of the law or an employment contract.

Illegal reasons for terminating an employee include:

• Employment terminations that contravene federal and state anti-discrimination laws are unlawful.
• Termination as a type of sexual discrimination
• Employment termination in violation of state or federal labor law
• Employee dismissal in retaliation for filing a complaint or lawsuit against the employer.
• Firing an employee in retaliation for filing a Workers' Compensation claim for an injury sustained on the job.