Many workers in Arizona are considered “at-will” employees. That means they don’t have a contract guaranteeing their employment for a specific period of time. Under the at-will rule, your employer can terminate your job at any time and for almost any reason.
However, “almost any reason” doesn’t mean any reason. Both state and federal laws create important exceptions that protect employees from wrongful termination. Learning about these exceptions can help you know when a firing crosses the line and when you may have a valid legal claim.
What At-Will Employment Means
Arizona’s at-will employment law is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-1501. It gives employers the right to end an employment relationship freely, and employees have the same right to quit without notice.
In simple terms, your boss doesn’t need to justify the decision to fire you. For example, you could be let go because your employer wants to reduce staff or simply decides to move in a different direction. Unless one of the recognized exceptions applies, there is usually no legal recourse.
Still, employees are not completely unprotected. Several important exceptions limit when and how an employer can legally terminate a worker.
Exceptions to At-Will Employment in Arizona
Some of the key exceptions to Arizona’s at-will employment law include:
Discrimination
Employers cannot fire someone on the basis of discrimination. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Arizona’s Civil Rights Laws, it’s illegal to fire an employee based on:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Sex
- Religion
- National origin
- Pregnancy
- Age
If an employee can show that their termination was motivated by discrimination, they may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
Retaliation
It’s also illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for exercising their legal rights. Protected activities include reporting workplace discrimination, filing a workers’ compensation claim, and reporting unsafe working conditions to OSHA.
For example, if you file a harassment complaint and are fired a week later, that could qualify as unlawful retaliation.
Violation of Public Policy
Employers cannot terminate an employee for reasons that go against Arizona’s established public policies. This includes firing someone for:
- Refusing to engage in illegal conduct
- Reporting illegal activity (whistleblowing)
- Taking time off for jury duty or voting
- Serving in the military
These protections ensure that employees can fulfill their civic and ethical responsibilities without fear of losing their jobs.
Breach of Contract
Although most workers are at-will, some are protected by employment contracts and union agreements that guarantee job security (or at least outline specific termination procedures).
Note that, in some cases, an implied contract may exist if the employer makes certain promises even without a written document. If the employer violates promises made in this way, the employee may have a claim for breach of contract.
What To Do if You Believe You Were Wrongfully Terminated
If you suspect your firing violated one of these exceptions, it’s important to act quickly and protect your rights. First, gather all relevant evidence, such as:
- Your employment contract and offer letter
- Emails, text messages, and other correspondence related to your termination
- Performance evaluations and HR documents
- Notes about any conversations with supervisors and witnesses
You should also contact an Arizona employment law attorney as soon as you can. A lawyer can help you determine whether your firing violated state and/or federal law and help you take the appropriate next steps from there.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix, AZ, Employment Lawyer To Discuss Your Legal Options
While Arizona law gives employers broad discretion under the at-will employment rule, that power is not unlimited. Discrimination, retaliation, and public policy violations are all unlawful reasons to fire someone.
If you believe your termination was unlawful, it’s important to speak with an experienced Arizona employment lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Houk Employment Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix employment attorney.
For more information, please contact the experienced employment attorneys at Houk Employment Attorneys to schedule an initial consultation today.
Our employment law firm is conveniently located near you, with an office in Phoenix, AZ.
Houk Employment Attorneys
1850 N Central Ave Suite 2010, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 569-2377
