Being terminated from your job can be challenging. It can be even more challenging when you believe you were wrongfully terminated because of discriminatory practices. If you suspect you were wrongfully terminated or experienced discrimination in your workplace, understanding the state laws related to employment discrimination can serve you well. In this article, we will explore the wrongful termination and employment discrimination laws in Iowa.
Table of Contents
The At-Will Employment Doctrine
Iowa follows the “at-will” employment doctrine, just like many other states. This means that unless you have an employment contract that guarantees your continued employment, you can be terminated at any time, for any reason, or even for no reason at all. In other words, your employer can fire you without giving you a warning or a reason.
However, there is an exception to the at-will doctrine. Employers cannot terminate an employee for reasons that are discriminatory or violate public policy. An employer who wrongfully terminates an employee for discriminatory or illegal reasons can be held liable for wrongful termination.
Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination is illegal in Iowa and is covered by both state and federal laws. Specifically, the Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as race, national origin, age, gender, religion, pregnancy, and disability. Additionally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits discrimination on the same protected characteristics at the federal level.
If you believe you were the victim of employment discrimination, you must file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) to initiate an investigation. You will have to provide information about the discrimination you experienced, why you believe it was discriminatory, and any evidence supporting your claim.
The ICRC may investigate your complaint and gather evidence to determine if a violation occurred. If the ICRC finds that there was discrimination, they may order your employer to reinstate you, compensate you for lost wages, and pay you damages.
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is terminated for an illegal or discriminatory reason. For example, if an employer fires an employee because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation, or because they reported illegal activity in the workplace, the termination is wrongful.
While Iowa is an at-will employment state, there are several situations where an employer cannot terminate an employee legally, including:
- Discrimination: Employers cannot terminate employees based on membership in a protected class (age, race, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy status, or disability).
- Public policy: Employers cannot terminate an employee for reasons that violate public policy, such as reporting safety concerns or illegal activity in the workplace.
- Breach of contract: Employers must follow the terms of any written or implied employment contract they have with an employee. If they violate this contract and terminate an employee, it may be wrongful termination.
If you believe you were terminated from your job illegally or have been discriminated against, you should seek legal counsel to understand your legal rights and options. You may be eligible for compensation, such as lost wages, damages, and reinstatement.
Filing a Wrongful Termination or Employment Discrimination Claim
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated or discriminated against in your workplace, you must file a claim with the appropriate government agency within a certain period. In Iowa, the following government agencies are responsible for investigating wrongful termination and employment discrimination claims:
- Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The ICRC investigates claims of employment discrimination based on Iowa state laws, while the EEOC investigates claims of employment discrimination based on federal laws.
To file a wrongful termination or employment discrimination claim, you can complete an online complaint form on the ICRC or EEOC website, or you can reach out to a qualified employment law attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Conclusion
Wrongful termination and employment discrimination can have serious consequences for employees, both personally and professionally. Iowa has laws in place to protect employees from discrimination and wrongful termination, but it can be challenging to navigate these laws alone. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated or discriminated against, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced employment law attorney who can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.