Online Class: Lawful Employee Termination

Explore the complexities of unfair termination, gaining clarity on identifying the legality of dismissal reasons and developing strategic responses to protect your rights. The course equips participants with the knowledge to recover and thrive post-termination, fostering a fair workplace environment.
Self-Paced, Online Class
West Springfield Public Library
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 30
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Empowerment Against Injustice: Navigating Unlawful Employee Termination

In the dynamic realm of professional life, many events can shape or shift our career trajectory. While certain challenges might be seen as stepping stones, there are incidents that demand a stronger stance. One such grave occurrence is unlawful employee termination. Every employee deserves transparency and fairness when parting ways with an employer. Yet, the reality often reveals instances where these principles are overshadowed.

Delve deep into this course, designed to be your beacon against unjust termination practices. Whether you're an employee seeking justice or an employer striving for ethical business conduct, this course tailors to your needs.

Here's your guided roadmap:

  • Deciphering Termination Reasons: Develop a discerning eye as you learn the demarcation between legal and illegal grounds for termination. Understand the nuances and the underlying reasons that tip the scale.

  • Strategizing Your Response: Whether you've been on the receiving end of unfair treatment or are proactively safeguarding against such incidents, gain insight into actionable steps and preventive measures to uphold justice.

  • Navigating Post-Termination Waters: An unjust termination doesn't conclude the journey. Understand how to heal, rebound, and even thrive after facing such adversity, whether you're an employer or an employee.

Challenges might be inevitable, but the courage to confront them, learn, and create change is a choice. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to champion fairness in professional environments. Are you prepared to be a beacon of change in the face of injustice? Dive in and let's reshape the narrative together!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
Areas of Study
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.8 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(503 votes)

Lesson 1. Lawful Employee Termination: Insights for Employers and Employees

Employment can end for various reasons, but lawful terminations must adhere to non-discriminatory practices and be justified based on performance or behavior. Employees and employers alike benefit from clarity on these rules to avoid legal pitfalls. 24 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-WorkSheet-18362.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Termination Essentials

Lesson Summary 4: The termination procedure involves systematic adherence to established policies and relevant laws combined with thorough documentation and investigation, safeguarding against wrongful dismissal. By consulting employee handbooks and engaging in clear communication during the termination, employers mitigate legal risks, potentially offering alternative corrective opportunities prior to final dismissal. 30 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-StudyGuide-18364.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. The Role of Due Process in Employment Law

The termination process mirrors the legal system through shared elements like due process, which ensures fairness and lawful treatment. This lesson explores due process in employment termination, its components, and how it safeguards employee rights. 30 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Activity-18366.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Legal Frameworks for Workplace Fairness

The concept of at-will employment in the U.S. allows employers to hire or fire employees for any lawful reason, forming the default framework for employment relationships. Employee rights and protections, like those outlined in the FLSA and OSH Act, ensure fair treatment and safeguard against unlawful termination. 30 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-HomeWork-18368.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. The Importance of Employment Types in Legal Termination Processes

Part-time and temporary positions offer fewer long-term benefits, with flexibility in employment terms and the termination process. Jobs like substitute teaching or roles via temp agencies exemplify temporary work tied to specific business needs. 29 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-StudyGuide-18370.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Termination Law: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Laws and employee rights are non-negotiable during termination, as any legal violations can invalidate the process. Employers must protect employee rights like privacy and due process to ensure lawful terminations. 31 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-WorkSheet-18372.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Unraveling Unlawful Termination: A Deep Dive into Illicit Dismissal Groundwork

Pretext serves as a shield for employers who unlawfully terminate employees, using excuses like poor performance or company fit. By spotlighting such disguises, this lesson highlights crucial strategies for uncovering and combating illegal dismissals. 10 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WorkSheet-18374.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Quiz

Lesson 8. Unveiling Hidden Pitfalls: Exploring the Intricacies of Unlawful Termination

Levied against a backdrop of unclear statutes and potential workplace biases, wrongful termination cases demand careful scrutiny. This lesson dissects various complications, empowering those affected to better assess and assert their rights under challenging conditions. 30 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WorkSheet-18376.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. The Ripple Effect of Unlawful Dismissals

Litigation often follows unlawful terminations, as more employees become aware of their rights. The ensuing legal battles can disrupt financial security and future job prospects for both parties involved. 10 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-HomeWork-18378.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson 10. Steps to Challenge a Termination

Employees suspecting wrongful termination must carefully evaluate their options, as contesting can be costly and complex but potentially rewarding. The process involves assessing the legality of the termination, gathering evidence, and considering personal and financial ramifications before seeking legal assistance. 21 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-WorkSheet-18380.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. The Aftermath: Employee Challenges Post-Termination

Transitioning beyond a terminated job involves proactive efforts like updating skills, honing job search strategies, and preparing a concise narrative for future employers regarding past employment changes. Clarity and truthfulness in what former employers can disclose about your termination is essential. 30 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-Downloadable-18381.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Closure and Compliance: Moving Forward After an Unlawful Termination

Employers facing wrongful termination outcomes should strive for closure and invest in repairing their reputation by adhering to legal rulings and considering their communication strategy carefully. Key challenges include managing internal concerns and maintaining open, factual communication with current employees to rebuild trust. 10 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-Downloadable-18383.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Quiz

Lesson 13. Collaborative Approaches to Maintain Lawful Employment Practices

Employers can minimize unlawful terminations by regularly reviewing policies, establishing firm processes, updating legal knowledge, and maintaining consistency and neutrality. Collaborative efforts with HR and legal departments can strengthen these preventive measures. 30 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Activity-18385.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Ensuring Legality: Mastering the Termination Checklist

Employers must adhere to a structured termination checklist to ensure all tasks are completed lawfully, from delivering official notifications to managing access and retrieving company property. This systematic approach guarantees that the company avoids legal pitfalls, while terminated employees leave without unresolved issues. 29 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-Activity-18387.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Quiz
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. Vital Information for Wrongful Termination Cases

Lesson Summary 4: Understanding your rights regarding wrongful termination involves utilizing resources like the DOL, OSHA, EEOC, DOJ, and unions for legal guidance and support. Proper documentation and knowledge of available benefits are crucial in managing terminations and protecting your long-term interests. 96 Total Points
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WorkSheet-18389.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Quiz
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam
440
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define lawful employee termination by identifying at least three legal reasons for termination and explaining why each reason is considered legal.
  • Demonstrate understanding of employment law by describing the consequences of unlawful termination for both employers and employees.
  • Define the steps involved in a lawful employee termination process according to organizational policies and legal standards.
  • Demonstrate the correct handling of documentation and communication during the employee termination process to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
  • Analyze procedural due process in employee termination by evaluating whether established steps are correctly followed to ensure fair and legal outcomes.
  • Define due process and its role in lawful employee termination by identifying key legal rights protected during termination procedures.
  • Define the concept of at-will employment and explain its implications for employee termination within legal contexts.
  • Identify key employee rights protected under U.S. employment laws, and explain how these rights relate to lawful termination practices.
  • Identify the rules and legal requirements for terminating various employment types and ensure compliance to avoid complications.
  • Recognize different employment types and describe their unique characteristics regarding lawful termination processes.
  • Identify common errors in handling employment terminations and describe strategies to prevent these mistakes, ensuring a lawful and respectful termination process.
  • Define the key legal considerations in employee termination by analyzing applicable laws and employee rights, ensuring compliance throughout the termination process.
  • Recognize the different pretexts used by employers to disguise unlawful termination.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Lawful Employee Termination
Course Number: 9770505
Lessons Rating: 4.8 / 5 Stars (503 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: May 2024
CEU Value: 0.5 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.
Course Type: Self-Paced
Assessment Method: Lesson review exams
Instructional Team: Linda Zavadil

Student Testimonials

  • "This course exceeded my expectations. The content is informative, useful and highly-effective and I like that additional resources are provided to help students gain a better understanding of employee rights and lawful termination. Every employer should invest in training and compliance. Not only is it necessary and essential to a company's success, it leads to better worker productivity, performance, morale and ultimately bottom line growth. I feel better prepared in my ongoing litigation." -- Karen B.

Related Courses