What is the legal term for a claim against an employer due to alleged wrongful termination?

The legal term for a claim against an employer due to alleged wrongful termination is "wrongful discharge." This term specifically addresses situations where an employee believes they were terminated from their position in violation of legal rights or contractual obligations. Wrongful discharge claims can arise from various circumstances, such as firing an employee for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for whistleblowing, or in violation of an employment contract.

Understanding wrongful discharge is crucial for Human Resources professionals, as it encompasses a range of legal protections that employees have. Being aware of this term helps HR managers navigate termination processes carefully to avoid foreseeable legal disputes.

Other options represent related but distinct concepts. "Unfair dismissal" often pertains to employment contexts but may not have the same legal specificity as wrongful discharge in certain jurisdictions. "Discriminatory termination" refers specifically to cases where the termination is based on protected characteristics, such as race or gender, which may fall under wrongful discharge but is more focused on the basis of discrimination. "Defamation of character," while it can be indirectly related, concerns harm done to a person's reputation rather than the legality of their termination from a job.