If you were fired for an illegal reason in Utah, there are some laws in place that can protect you. Wrongful termination is illegal in Utah, as it is throughout the country. There are Federal laws that protect all workers from wrongful termination. There are also Utah laws that protect Utah workers from wrongful termination by Utah employers.
What Is The Utah Antidiscrimination Act?
The Utah Antidiscrimination Act is one of the more unique laws that protect workers in Utah because it has a separate clause specifically addressing religious discrimination. The Utah Antidiscrimination Law says that Utah employers cannot discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, age (40 or over), national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions.
The religious clause in the Utah Antidiscrimination Act says employees may “express religious and moral beliefs in the workplace in a reasonable manner on equal terms with similar expressions allowed by the employer” and that “employers may not discharge, demote, refuse to hire, retaliate, or discriminate against an individual based on expressions of religious, political, or personal belief outside of the workplace.” That means that if you are wrongfully terminated in Utah you may file a claim against that employer for violating your rights.
What Other Laws Protect Utah Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Utah is an at-will employment state, like most states are. But just because the state has at-will employment doesn’t mean that employees don’t have protection against unlawful termination. Utah employers cannot fire employees for a reason that is discriminatory or is covered by the Utah Antidiscrimination Act. Employers also can’t fire employees for reasons protected by Federal laws. Federal employment laws that protect Utah workers include:
- 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
Any worker who is wrongfully terminated in Utah can file a claim with both state and Federal agencies.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Utah?
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, investigates all cases of workplace rights violations within the United States. Because it’s a Federal agency it can investigate in any state, including Utah. You can file an EEOC complaint online, on the phone, or in person at an EEOC office.
You can also file a complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division. That’s the Utah state agency that investigates violations of the Utah Antidiscrimination Act. You can file a complaint online or call the office to get more information.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Utah Wrongful Termination Claims
If you have experienced wrongful termination in Utah you should speak with an employment attorney that specializes in Utah wrongful termination. An employment lawyer in Utah can answer your questions and help you file your claim.
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