"Employment-at-Will" in North Carolina

 Many people often call our office unsure as to what their rights are after they have been let go from a job. Often people do not understand why they have been let go, and feel that because there was no specific reason for their discharge they have a case. Unfortunately this is untrue in North Carolina. North Carolina is what we call an "Employment-at-Will" state. The term "Employment-at-Will" means that unless there is a specific law protecting the employee, or if there is an employment contract, an employer may fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all. https://askcompetentlawyer.com/covid-19-related-employment-litigation/ Under the law an employer may also treat an employee as they see fit. In addition, it is at the discretion of the employer as to whether the employee may or may not have access to their personal record.

Although employers are given broad range to discharge employees and treat them as they see fit, there are certain protected categories that an employer must adhere to. These categories stem from the employees civil rights, and are based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color, disability or pregnancy. An employer many not discriminate against an employee based on any of the reasons just listed. Another protected category falls under the Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA). This act protects an employee from an employer's retaliation when an employee participates in activities protected under Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Act, the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act, and Workers Compensation Act.

Citigroup is currently being sued by six women who are alleging that they have been discriminated against due to their gender. This is one of the several protected categories under North Carolina law. The women who have filed suit against Citigroup claim that due to their gender, they are being held back from equal access to pay, promotions and work. If the accusations are true, these are serious violations of their rights. It is therefore very important to know your rights as an employee, and have an attorney who will fight on your behalf. The attorneys of Hull & Chandler, P.A. are committed to fighting for your rights if they have been violated.