ANNOUNCER: I’m here with Christian Jannetta from the Commercial Litigation Department at Cohen Highley Lawyers. Can someone be fired even without justification?
CHRISTIAN: Yes. An employer can terminate an employee even without a valid reason.
ANNOUNCER: That doesn’t seem fair.
CHRISTIAN: Well, the law requires that if an employee is terminated without what’s known as ‘just cause’, the employer has to provide reasonable notice or financial compensation. What’s reasonable depends on the circumstances.
ANNOUNCER: What if there is just cause for termination?
CHRISTIAN: If, for example, an employee has truly failed to fulfill job require or is guilty of misconduct or insubordination, the employer may not have to give notice or compensation. Again, whether there’s just cause will depend on the circumstances.
ANNOUNCER: Employees and employers probably see things very differently when someone’s fired.
CHRISTIAN: True, employers and employees both have legal rights and obligations. If you’re considering terminating someone or have been terminated, it’s best to speak with a lawyer.
