Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is dismissed from their job for reasons that are illegal. This can include discrimination based on protected characteristics (race, religion, gender, etc.), retaliation for reporting illegal activities, or violation of contract terms. For example, if an Amazon employee is fired shortly after reporting safety violations within a warehouse, and evidence suggests the termination was in response to that report, it could constitute wrongful termination.
Pursuing legal action in such instances is critical for upholding employee rights and ensuring fair labor practices. It provides a recourse for individuals who have been unjustly dismissed, potentially leading to compensation for lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. Historically, protections against unjust dismissal have evolved through legislation and court decisions, continually refining the rights of employees and the obligations of employers.