What are the laws and regulations surrounding the termination of an employee in Ohio?
By
Ohio is an "at-will" employment state, which means that employers can terminate employees at any time and for any reason that is not prohibited by law. However, there are certain laws and regulations that protect employees from discriminatory or retaliatory terminations.
Discriminatory Termination:
Employers cannot terminate employees based on certain protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or pregnancy. If an employee believes that they have been terminated based on their membership in a protected class, they may file a discrimination claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Retaliatory Termination:
Employers are also prohibited from terminating employees in retaliation for engaging in certain protected activities such as filing a workers' compensation claim, reporting a safety violation, or reporting discrimination. If an employee believes that they have been terminated in retaliation for engaging in a protected activity, they may file a retaliation claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Exceptions:
There are certain exceptions to the at-will employment doctrine in Ohio. For example, employers may be contractually obligated to terminate employees only for cause if they have entered into an employment contract with the employee. Additionally, public policy considerations may limit an employer's ability to terminate an employee in certain circumstances.
Suggestions for Further Action:
If an employer is considering terminating an employee, they should first review their policies and procedures to ensure that the termination is not discriminatory or retaliatory. They should also consider seeking legal advice to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
If an employee has been terminated and believes that the termination was discriminatory or retaliatory, they should consider speaking with an attorney who specializes in employment law to discuss their legal options. They may also choose to file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
