Can I terminate employees without violating employment laws in Pennsylvania? What are the requirements?

Requirements for Termination of Employees in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, employers can terminate employees, but they must comply with certain requirements to avoid violating employment laws.

Severance Compensation

If an employer terminates an eligible employee within 90 days before or 24 calendar months after a control-share approval, the employer must provide severance compensation to the employee [15 PACS 2582]. The minimum severance amount is the weekly compensation of the employee multiplied by the number of completed years of service of the employee, up to a maximum of 26 times the weekly compensation of the employee [15 PACS 2581]. The severance compensation must be paid within one regular pay period after the last day of work of the employee, in the case of a layoff known at such time to be at least six months or an involuntary termination, and in all other cases within 30 days after the eligible employee first becomes entitled to compensation under this subchapter [15 PACS 2582(c)].

Prohibition on Termination and Discipline

Employers in Pennsylvania are prohibited from terminating or disciplining an employee who is a volunteer fireman, a volunteer member of the fire police or a volunteer member of an ambulance service or rescue squad and, in the line of duty, has responded to a call prior to the time he was due to report for work resulting in a loss of time from his employment [35 PACS 7423].

Employment Sanctions

Employers who violate employment laws in Pennsylvania may face employment sanctions [35 PACS 7421].

Conclusion

Employers in Pennsylvania can terminate employees, but they must comply with certain requirements, such as providing severance compensation to eligible employees. Employers are prohibited from terminating or disciplining an employee who is a volunteer fireman, a volunteer member of the fire police or a volunteer member of an ambulance service or rescue squad and, in the line of duty, has responded to a call prior to the time he was due to report for work resulting in a loss of time from his employment. Employers who violate employment laws may face employment sanctions.

Jurisdiction

Pennsylvania

• Labor