What are some common reasons for firing an employee?

Legal reasons for firing an employee may vary depending on the nature of the job. In most instances, workers are employed on an at will basis. This means they can be fired for any reason, or for no reason, as long as discrimination is not a factor in the firing. When workers are employed under an employment contract, however, acceptable reasons for termination are explained in the employment contract.

→ Read More

Is my employer required to notify me in advance of my firing?

An employer is not required to give you any notice before firing you from your job, provided that there is no specific agreement or understanding within your employment arrangement that says he must do so. Read on for more information about notice requirements that may apply to you if you are fired from your job.

→ Read More

Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance Eligibility

Unless an employee deliberately acted in a way the he knew would result in termination of his employment, a fired employee can collect Pennsylvania unemployment benefits. In order to prevent an employee from receiving those benefits, an employer must prove the employee was guilty of ‘willful misconduct’. This means that if you are fired because of unintentional deficiencies in your work or because your supervisor dislikes you, you will receive unemployment payments unless your employer can prove you did something wrong on purpose.

→ Read More

My employer requires me to work more than forty hours per week, but says I’m not entitled to overtime. Is this legal in Pennsylvania?

As a general matter, a salaried employee is exempt from overtime in Pennsylvania. However, a salaried employee may be entitled to overtime if the employment contract includes provisions for it. Further, just because your employer labels you as ‘salaried’ or exempt doesn’t mean that is actually a correct classification. If your lawyer has classified you improperly, then you could also be considered eligible for overtime payments.

→ Read More