Generally, yes. The general rule is that unless there is an agreement stating otherwise, all employees are considered “at-will" employees. As an “at-will" employee, you can be fired for any reason, or no reason at all. For example, if your boss wants to fire you so that his boss’ sister can take your position, then he can without consequence. However there are a number of exceptions to this rule. Common exceptions to the “at-will" employment rule are:
- a contract or collective bargaining agreement between the employer and employee providing that the employee cannot be fired without good cause;
- termination that violates public policy (discrimination, retaliation, etc.); and
- termination that results after the employee’s reasonable reliance on the job offer when the employer knows the employee has had to quit another job, leave school, or move closer to the job.
