Can a Job Fire You During a State of Emergency
The coronavirus pandemic has left many wondering what their rights are as employees during states of emergency. One of the questions that has come up is whether or not a job can fire you during a state of emergency.
When Can a Job Fire You During a State of Emergency
Under most circumstances, during a state of emergency an employer can only fire you for lawful reasons, including:
- Performance issues – Poor performance in the job, despite constructive feedback, can be a lawful reason for termination.
- Misconduct – Violating company policies, such as displaying disrespectful or aggressive behavior towards colleagues or customers, can be grounds for termination.
- Restructuring – During a state of emergency, some employers may need to cut costs by reducing the number of employees. In these cases, employees may be laid off for economic reasons.
What Is Unlawful Termination
During a state of emergency, an employer cannot terminate your employment based on discriminatory factors such as:
- Race
- National origin
- Age
- Gender/Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Disability
What Should You Do If You’re Fired During a State of Emergency
If you believe you were wrongfully fired during a state of emergency, you may want to file a complaint with your state’s department of labor or an attorney. You may also have a legal right to unemployment benefits, so contact your state’s unemployment office as well.
It is important to remember that during a state of emergency, employers are still obligated to treat employees lawfully. If you feel you have been wrongfully terminated, you may have legal recourse.