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

Based on the provided context documents, Wisconsin law allows employees to form or join labor organizations and engage in lawful, concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to refrain from such activities or to become or remain a member of a labor organization as a condition of employment ^[1.1]. Municipal employees in Wisconsin also have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in lawful, concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. Municipal employees have the right to refrain from any and all such activities. However, public safety employees or transit employees may be required to pay dues in the manner provided in a fair-share agreement ^[2.1].

Regarding termination of employees, Wisconsin is an employment-at-will state, which means that employers can terminate employees for any reason, as long as it is not discriminatory or in violation of public policy. However, there are certain requirements that employers must follow to avoid violating employment laws. For example, employers cannot terminate employees based on their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information. Employers also cannot retaliate against employees for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation related to discrimination or harassment. Additionally, employers must comply with any contractual obligations, such as those outlined in an employment agreement or collective bargaining agreement ^[1.1].

In summary, while Wisconsin law allows employers to terminate employees for any reason, employers must ensure that their actions are not discriminatory or in violation of public policy. Employers must also comply with any contractual obligations.

Source(s):

• [1.1] Rights of employees.
• [2.1] Municipal employment.

Jurisdiction

Wisconsin

• Labor