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Can I fire employees for reasons other than poor performance in Vermont? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can fire employees for reasons other than poor performance in Vermont, but there are specific requirements that must be followed.

Termination of Employees in Vermont

In Vermont, an employer cannot terminate an employee for reasons that are prohibited by law, such as discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation [5.1]. Employers must also comply with specific requirements for notifying employees of a business closing or mass layoff [5.1].

Grievances

Employees who believe they have been discriminated against on account of their race, color, creed, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin may appeal to the State Labor Relations Board [2.1]. Grievance hearings at the Board level shall be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Board [3.1].

Notice Requirements

Employers who will engage in a business closing or mass layoff shall provide notice to the Commissioner and the Secretary 45 days prior to the effective date of the closing or layoffs. Additionally, the employer shall provide 30 days notice to the chief elected official or administrative officer of the municipality in which the business closing or mass layoff will occur, the affected employees, and the employee representative if any. When all of the employees are not terminated on the same date, the date of the first individual termination shall trigger the notice requirement. The first and each subsequent group of employees to be terminated are entitled to a full 45 days notice [5.1].

Conclusion

In Vermont, employers can terminate employees for reasons other than poor performance, but they must comply with specific requirements. Employers cannot terminate employees for reasons that are prohibited by law, such as discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against may appeal to the State Labor Relations Board. Employers who will engage in a business closing or mass layoff shall provide notice to the Commissioner and the Secretary 45 days prior to the effective date of the closing or layoffs.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Vermont