If a consensual personal relationship ended with my employer, can he just fire me with no reason?
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If a consensual personal relationship ended with my employer, can he just fire me with no reason?
He initiated the relationship 2 years ago. At the time I was in an emotional and physically abusive relationship which I believe gave influence to my decision to give in to his advances. I feel if he does terminate my employment I am being punished for something he started. Do I have any rights to fight this?
Asked on November 7, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You should consult with an employment law attorney. Technically, an employer may terminate an employee at will (an employee without an employment contract) without reason, or for any reason not discriminatory--e.g. as long as you're not being fired for an intimate relationship ending, he could terminate you . . . in theory.
The reason I emphasize "technically" or "in theory" is that if there was an intimate relationship between you and your employer, then it would be very likely to be found that your termination was illegal discrimination unless the employer can advance or show some non-discriminatory reason--e.g. poor performance, downsizing, etc. In a case like this, if the employer can't show a valid reason, that may be enough to sustain your wrongful termination claim, even though technically the employer generally doesn't need to advance a reason for terminating an employee at will. Therefore, you may well be entitled to compensation and have rights; you should consult with an employment law attorney to discuss how best to vindicate these rights. Good luck.
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