Texas is an at-will employment state. In an at-will state, an employee can leave a job whenever they wish for any reason. However, at-will laws also allow employers to terminate employees for virtually any reason.
That’s not to say exceptions don’t exist. Both federal and state wrongful termination laws in Texas prohibit employers from committing discrimination when firing workers. You may have a Texas wrongful termination case if your employer violated such laws when they terminated your employment.
What Is Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code?
Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code is also known as the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act. Per this law, it is illegal for an employer in Texas to discriminate against an employee or job candidate on the basis of:
- Race
- Color
- Disability
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Age
Firing an employee for any of the above characteristics would constitute wrongful termination in Texas. Per Texas wrongful termination laws, when employers violate these laws, employees may take legal action accordingly.
What Other Laws Protect Texas Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Along with Texas discrimination laws, federal laws and statutes protecting workers in the Lone Star State include:
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- Whistleblower Protection Act
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
It’s also wise to check your employment contract upon being fired. Sometimes, contracts specify conditions and circumstances in which employers cannot terminate employees. You may be able to file a wrongful termination claim in Texas if an employer violated the terms of your contract when they let you go.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Texas?
The Civil Rights Division of the Texas Workforce Commission enforces wrongful discrimination laws in Texas. If you believe an employer has broken such laws, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online.
The agency will investigate the matter. Upon concluding their investigation, they may take further action, or they may provide you with a letter indicating you can proceed to take action yourself.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency handling wrongful termination complaints. You should also file a complaint with the EEOC when you file one with the Civil Rights Division in Texas.
The Civil Rights Division may automatically file your complaint with the EEOC. Sometimes, state agencies take this step unprompted when citizens file complaints.
Ask if the Civil Rights Division in Texas will submit your complaint to the EEOC. You can submit an EEOC wrongful termination complaint online or to your local Texas EEOC office if they don’t.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Texas Wrongful Termination Claims
You don’t have to pursue justice alone when an employer violates your rights. If you believe a former employer in Texas has engaged in wrongful termination, a lawyer may assist you in putting together a strong case.
You only have a limited time to take action after losing your job. Avoid waiving your rights to justice by taking the Free Case Evaluation today to speak with a wrongful termination attorney helping those in Texas.
Further Reading: Can I Sue for Wrongful Termination In Texas?
