Wrongful Termination in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Minnesota recognizes wrongful termination for public policy violations, including whistleblowing and jury duty.
How Minnesota treats Wrongful Termination
Minnesota protects employees fired for reporting illegal conduct, serving on juries, or exercising statutory rights. The state applies a narrow public policy exception to at-will employment, requiring the firing to violate a clear and substantial public policy. Whistleblower protections are particularly strong under Minnesota Statute § 181.932 for employees reporting safety or legal violations. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, and in some cases, damages for emotional distress.
The general definition of Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of law, contract, or public policy.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract or established public policy. Common illegal reasons include retaliation for reporting safety violations, discrimination based on race or gender, refusal to commit an illegal act, or exercising a legal right like jury duty. In most US states, employment is at-will, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason, but there are important exceptions. An employee who is wrongfully terminated can sue for damages, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Read the full Wrongful Termination entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.