If you were fired for an illegal reason in North Carolina, there are some laws in place that can protect you. Even in an at will employment state like North Carolina an employer can’t just fire you for any reason. There are state and Federal employment laws that protect workers from being fired for a discriminatory or illegal reason.
What Is The North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act?
North Carolina protects workers with the North Carolina Employment Practices Act. The North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, HIV/AIDS results for current employees, or handicap (disability). Additionally in North Carolina, the 1992 Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of traits for sickle cell or hemoglobin C, or other genetic information.
If you were fired from a job in North Carolina for a reason protected under the North Carolina Employment Practices Act you can file a complaint against that employer with the state.
What Other Laws Protect North Carolina Workers From Wrongful Termination?
North Carolina workers are also protected by Federal laws. Federal employment laws apply to all states, even at will employment states. That means you can’t legally be fired for a reason that is protected by Federal law just like you can’t be legally fired for a reason protected by state employment law. Workers in North Carolina are protected by these Federal employment laws:
- Americans With Disabilities Act
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Pregnancy Protection Act
- Pregnancy Fairness Act
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Age Discrimination In Employment Act
- Occupational Health And Safety Act
- Immigration Reform And Control Act
If you were fired in North Carolina for any discriminatory reason or a reason protected by law you can file a complaint with both the state of North Carolina and the Federal EEOC.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in North Carolina?
In North Carolina workers were fired illegally or who have had their employment rights violated can file a complaint with the North Carolina Civil Rights Division. You can start a complaint with the North Carolina Civil Rights Division on their website or on the phone. Workers also should file a complaint with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC will investigate all incidents of workplace rights in North Carolina. You can file a complaint with the EEOC online or in person at one of the three EEOC branch offices in North Carolina.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes North Carolina Wrongful Termination Claims
It can be very confusing trying to figure out if you have a claim against an employer for wrongful termination. The best thing to do is speak with an employment attorney to get answers to your questions. An employment lawyer that takes cases in North Carolina can give you specific advice about what evidence you need to support your claim, how to file, and they can help you navigate the claims process.
You can speak with a participating employment attorney that takes cases in North Carolina by filling out a Free Case Evaluation below.
